More Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile In Delco

BROOKHAVEN, PA — Health officials in Delaware County said more West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitoes have been found in the region.

According to the Delaware County Health Department, a mosquito pool in Brookhaven had mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The pool was reviewed on Friday.

Other pools have had West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitoes, according to county health officials.

Pools in Brookhaven examined July 23 had positive mosquitoes. A pool in Haverford Township had West Nile Virus.

The first positive pool was found July 9 in Lansdowne.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were found in Darby Township.

So far, no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Delaware County.

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

Roughly 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.

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.