West Nile Virus Found in Upper Saucon Mosquito

A mosquito found in Upper Saucon Township has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a June 19 report from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. 

DEP and county West Nile Virus staff respond to these reports with additional mosquito surveillance and control, according to a DEP news release. 

West Nile Virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, can cause encephalitis--an inflammation of the brain.

West Nile was first found in North America in 1999 in New York and in Pennsylvania in 2000, DEP reported. Mosquitoes can pass on the disease to birds and other animals, as well as people. 

A mild case of West Nile can manifest itself with flu-like symptons with a fever lasting a few days. The most serious cases cause West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis.

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Area residents are advised to eliminate areas of standing water on their properties whenever possible, to help reduce the threat from mosquitoes and the virus.