The Department of Environmental Protection Friday reported on its West Nile Virus website mosquitoes testing positive for the virus have been found in 11 more counties this week-- Bedford, Columbia, Cumberland, Delaware, Fayette, Lackawanna, Lancaster,  Lawrence, Luzerne, Northumberland and Union.

This brings to 23 the number of counties with positive surveillance results, including the previously reported counties of-- Adams, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Montour and York.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:

-- 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;

-- 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;

-- 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; and

-- 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.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

-- 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 on spraying operation and surveillance results, visit the West Nile Virus website.

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