Nine New Mosquito Samples, Including One Near Norristown, Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Pa.

Nine new mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile Virus have been found in Pennsylvania, and one of them is in Montgomery County, according to the Pennsylvania West Nile Control Program.

The sample found at an undisclosed location in Upper Merion Township was the second in recent weeks. Positive samples have also been found in Plymouth Township, and spraying to control the spread of the virus is scheduled for Abington and Cheltenham Townships.

The positive tests were found in the following locations:

• Allegheny - Munhall Boro
• Delaware - Aldan Boro
• Delaware - Marple Twp
• Lancaster - West Lampeter Twp
• Montgomery - Upper Merion Twp
• Northampton - Hanover Twp
• York - Jackson Twp
• York - Manchester Twp (2)

Nearby, Phoenixville and Schuylkill Township were recently sprayed after two positive tests in the borough within a matter of weeks.

Montgomery County health officials have issued a health alert, advising residents to take precautions, including:

• Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active
• Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants when outside
• Use insect repellents when mosquitoes are active
• Dispose of open containers that may collect water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, etc.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers so that water will not collect
• Keep your property clear of old tires
• Clean roof gutters, particularly if 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 when not in use
• A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers
• For stagnant pools of water that cannot be removed or drained, homeowners can buy Bti products such as mosquito dunks at lawn/garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterial product kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Officials say this “heightened” concern will likely remain in effect until the first frost in mid-October.

The chances of contracting West Nile Virus are very small and chances of becoming ill are even smaller. However, about 20% of infected individuals may experience flu-like symptoms that could include fever and a rash, according to Mayo Clinic.

In less than one percent of infected victims, West Nile causes a severe neurological infection which may cause confusion, convulsions, tremors, inflammation of the spinal cord, and coma, Mayo Clinic states.