Community Corner

6th Chesco Mosquito Tests Positive for West Nile

"The Health Department will continue to monitor these areas as well as surrounding areas and will consider control activities when appropriate," the county said.

A sixth mosquito in Chester County has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Chester County Health Department said this week. 

This mosquito was found in Downingtown Borough, the county said. The other infected mosquitos have been found in Tredyffrin (2); Easttown (1); Uwchlan (1); and West Goshen (1).

The infected mosquito was found in one of the traps the county places in various places around the county as part of routine surveillance by Health Department officials. 

"The Health Department will continue to monitor these areas as well as surrounding areas and will consider control activities when appropriate," the county said in a statement. 

Montgomery County this week made the decision to start spraying mosquitos after multiple mosquitos with West Nile were found. 

The Chester County Health Department says the chances of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito are very small.

“Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness,” the CDC website says. 

The best thing residents can do is get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed on their property, according to experts.

Here are more tips to reduce exposure to West Nile:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.

• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.

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• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

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• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.


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