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DEP Reports Chester County Resident Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

On September 27, the Department of Environmental Protection announced a second individual has tested positive for West Nile Virus, this time from Chester County.

This is the last regular report of the West Nile Virus season from the departments of Environmental Protection and Health.

On September 17, the departments of Health and Environmental Protection announced the season’s first probable human case of West Nile Virus was found in Philadelphia.

On September 21, the departments of Agriculture and Health announced they had found another, more deadly, mosquito-borne illness-- Eastern Equine Encephalitis-- in Erie, Carbon and Monroe counties.

On September 23, the Department of Environmental Protection it would be conducting mosquito spraying operations in Carbon and Erie counties where evidence of mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found.

In Monroe County, where mosquitoes capable of transmitting EEE were also found, the county will conduct its own mosquito control operation.

DEP earlier announced mosquitoes or animals have tested positive for West Nile Virus in these counties-- Adams; Allegheny; Beaver; Berks; Blair; Bucks; Centre; Chester; Clearfield, Cumberland; Dauphin; Delaware; Erie; Fayette, Franklin; Greene; Lackawanna; Lancaster; Lawrence; Lebanon; Lehigh; Luzerne; Lycoming; Montgomery; Montour; Northampton; Northumberland; Perry; Snyder; Philadelphia, Union; Westmoreland; 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 Pennsylvania 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.

-- 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 (short for Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) 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 about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, please visit the West Nile Virus website.

NewsClips:

PA: Another Human Case Of West Nile Virus Found, Last Report Of Season

What Threat Does Deadly Mosquito-borne EEE Virus Pose In Lehigh Valley?

After Reports Of Deadly Mosquito-borne Virus In PA, Immunologist Says Not To Worry, Too Much

After Alarming Headlines, When Will Mosquito Menace Die Down? NOAA’s Fall Outlook Isn’t Good News

A 10th Person Dies In U.S. From Rare Mosquito-borne EEE Infection

Editorial: Protect Yourself From Eastern Equine Encephalitis

NOAA’s Fall Forecast? Above Average Temperatures Everywhere

DEP To Conduct Mosquito Spraying In Carbon, Erie Counties Sept. 24 To Combat Deadly

Tick-borne Lyme Disease Affects Thousands In PA Each Year

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