West Nile Virus Found In Delaware County Town

DARBY TOWNSHIP, PA — West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitoes in Delaware County, according to officials.

Darby Township Tuesday said it was notified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that West Nile Virus was identified in adult mosquitoes found during routine surveillance in the township.

Officials said follow-up monitoring will continue in the coming weeks.

In the event of more West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes being found, the Department of Environmental Protection could implement adult mosquito control measures.

This news not long after the Delaware County Health Department said West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitos were found in another municipality.

State data shows Delaware County is ranked No. 10 in the state for mosquitoes with West Nile Virus.

Most people — eight out of 10 — infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. No human cases have been identified in Pennsylvania, according to state data.

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.