Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Lehigh County residents have extra reason to guard against mosquito bites now that two bugs have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The disease carriers were found in Allentown and Hanover Township, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Mosquitoes have also tested positive for West Nile in neighboring Bucks and Schuylkill counties, but not in Northampton, Berks or Carbon counties yet.

There are no reports of humans contracting West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania so far this year.

West Nile cases occur predominantly in late summer and early fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC recommends:

- Using insect repellent when going outdoors

- Having good screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of your house

- Getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water in pots, buckets, barrels, tires and other containers around your home. For more tips, see these links:

CDC link: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

DEP link: http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/index.html