West Nile Virus Risk Remains in Bethlehem

Two more mosquitoes in Bethlehem have tested positive for the West Nile virus, showing that the risk of contracting the disease locally remains, according to the latest news release from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s West Nile Control Program.

Twenty-one mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus in the city since testing began in early summer, according to the DEP figures.

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.

There have been 20 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus statewide this summer – one fatal. Two of the were in Lehigh County.

DEP has also confirmed eight birds and two veterinary animals with the virus in Lehigh and Northampton counties this year.

There have been numerous rounds of spraying to control the mosquito population in Bethlehem, but there are several precautions anyone can take to minimize mosquito breeding areas and reduce their own risk of contracting the disease:

• 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, particularly if 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.
• 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 repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of 2 months.