West Nile Virus Found In Delaware County Mosquitoes: Health Officials

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — West Nile Virus has been found among mosquitoes in Delaware County, officials said Thursday.

The Delaware County Health Department announced it has identified the first "pool" of
mosquitoes that are positive for West Nile virus in 2024.

While the virus identified in mosquitos in Delaware County, no human cases have been reported in the county.

Mosquito investigation information can be found on the Environmental Health Alerts website here.

Most people — eight out of 10 — infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.

About one in five people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people who develop symptoms of West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

About one in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

"Preventing the spread of West Nile virus is up to everyone in Delaware County," Delaware County
Health Department Director Melissa Lyon said. "Routinely checking for standing water sources and discarding potential breeding areas on your property can help reduce the chance for your family and neighbors of getting sick."

The most effective way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus is to keep mosquitoes from breeding on your property. To protect themselves and to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus, residents are

encouraged to remember the "Three Ds:"

DRAIN - Anything that can hold water can breed mosquitoes, from soda bottle caps to discarded tires. Check your property for these sources of standing water and dump them out. At least once or twice a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, cans, wheelbarrows, boats, cargo trailers, toys and any other items outside your home. Empty and store wading pools for kids on their side, and any other sources of standing water outside your home.

DRESS - Wear clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to protect against bug bites. You can further protect yourself by tucking your pants into your boots. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants is a great way to prevent not only mosquito bites but tick bites as well.

DEFEND - Wear insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on exposed skin when outdoors. Another effective repellent is Permethrin. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the labels when using these repellents.