Spraying for West Nile Virus Program Can be Dangerous

The County Commissioners have approved the use of $123,029 in state money for educational efforts and spraying against West Nile Virus.

When spraying for the virus was initially introduced in New York City about seven years ago, some people exposed to the spray experienced respiratory problems. The story was not widely publicized but reports did appear in the back pages of the New York Times and elsewhere.

A seven year old Lancaster youngster who had been walking in New York's Central Park when airborne spraying took place had severe breathing problems upon the return home that evening and had to be treated at Lancaster General Hospital. It took many years before the boy's lungs grew sufficiently that he was again able to play sports.

Hopefully standards have been established to avoid such occurrences.