Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Eastern Montco

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —A mosquito has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Eastern Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Health Department has advised Horsham Township officials that a positive West Nile Virus mosquito sample was collected at Deep Meadow Park.

If adult mosquito control is recommended, township officials said they will be notified.

Any questions, please contact the MCHD at 215-784-5415.

The West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile virus disease (West Nile) in people.

Horsham Township has provided tips on how to combat mosquitoes and prevent the disease:

Protect yourself

The best way to protect yourself from mosquitos is to apply insect repellent to exposed skin just before heading outdoors. Use insect repellent that is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Apply sunscreen first and then repellent and consult with a pediatrician about the use of repellent on children. Repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months. Also, if it’s not too hot outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks for extra protection. Peak biting hours for most mosquitoes are from dusk to dawn so take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing in evenings and early mornings. During these times, try to avoid as many outdoor activities as possible.

Mosquito-proof your home and neighborhood

There are several steps you can take to minimize your risk and keep your yard and home mosquito-free. Drain or remove sources of standing water weekly in ornamental items like birdbaths, fountains, and ponds that are not equipped with fish. This helps reduce the number of places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Remove or store anything that can collect water, such as unused tires, flowerpots, and buckets, and turn over things like kiddie pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

If you have a pool, ensure that it is properly filtered and chemically treated so that it stays clean. Also, make sure gutters are free of debris and keep an eye out for trash or containers that might be out of the way or hard to see. Remember, anything that holds water can breed mosquitoes. To prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home, keep and repair screens on windows and doors. They should be well-fitted to keep mosquitoes outside. Keep in mind that any overgrown and green areas may provide resting space for adult mosquitoes. If you need to report mosquito infestations in Philadelphia, call 215-685-9000.

Be safe wherever you go

When traveling abroad, be sure to speak with your doctor beforehand about the risk of other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya viruses, that may lie in wait at your travel destination. You’ll want to take similar precautions there, to avoid mosquito bites.