West Nile Virus Found in Area

Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have now been found in neighboring Northampton Township and other areas of Bucks County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Other affected Bucks County areas include Bensalem, Warminster and Warrington, as well as 14 other municipalities across Pennsylvania, including communities. So far this season, 22 dead birds in 14 counties also tested positive, the DEP said.

DEP spokeswoman Amanda Witman said that there have been more than 400 positive samples statewide in Pennsylvania since May 3. However, there have been no human cases to this point.

But according to the DEP, Bucks County is now a High Risk hot zone for West Nile mosquitoes. The West Nile season runs from May 31 through Oct. 31 every year, Witman said. That means we are in the middle of West Nile season.

Of the 607 mosquito samples collected in Bucks so far this season, 33 have tested positive, or a little more than 5 percent.

To help protect yourself, make sure there is no standing water in flower pots, discarded tires, birdbaths, wading pools, gutters or any place where water can collect and remain stagnate.

Also, wear shoes, socks  and long pants when outside and use DEET repellent if necessary.

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