West Nile Virus Found in Bucks County

More than 70 mosquito samples and three birds tested positive for West Nile virus in Pennsylvania on Thursday, including seven Bucks County.

Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have now been found in Bensalem, Warminster, Warington and Northampton, as well as 14 other municipalities across Pennsylvania.

Three birds also tested positive in York, Springfield Township, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

DEP spokeswoman Amanda Witman said that there have been more than 400 positive samples statewide in Pennsylvania since May 3. Witman said there have been no human cases reported as of yet.

But according to the DEP, Bucks County is now a High Risk hot zone for West Nile mosquitoes. 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.