Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Lehigh County residents have extra reason to guard against mosquito bites now that two of the insects have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The disease carrying-mosquitoes were found in Allentown and Hanover Township, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Mosquitoes have also tested positive for West Nile in neighboring Bucks and Schuylkill counties, but not in Northampton, Berks or Carbon counties yet.

No humans have contracted West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania so far this year.

West Nile cases occur predominantly in late summer and early fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC recommends:

• Use insect repellent when going outdoors

• Make sure you have good screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of your house

• Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water in pots, buckets, barrels, tires and other containers around your residence.

Here are  more tips:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/index.html