Mosquitoes in North and South Whitehall Test Positive for West Nile Virus

The Pa. Department of Environmental Protection says mosquitoes in North and South Whitehall townships have tested positive for West Nile Virus - and two human cases of the illness have now been confirmed in the state.

DEP and county officials are "responding with surveillance and control as necessary," according to a press release.

Some disease-carrying mosquito species can infect humans with West Nile encephalitis, which may result in an inflammation of the brain.

Mosquito samples in 55 counties have been identified with the West Nile virus so far this year. The Department of Health reported Pennsylvania’s first probable human case Aug. 30 and a second case Sept. 7. The human cases were confirmed in Lebanon and Bucks counties.

Help prevent West Nile by doing the following:

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

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

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

• Clean clogged roof gutters every year, particularly if the leaves from
surrounding trees tend to plug drains.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

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