Saturday, August 15, 2015

West Nile Virus Detected in Schuylkill County

On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that the West Nile Virus has been detected in Schuylkill County.


According to a daily release of what counties have tested positive in mosquitos and birds for the disease by DEP, the disease was detected in Pine Grove Township.

In Pennsylvania, 40 of it's 67 counties have tested positive with one confirmed human case in Venango County.

Ways to Prevent the West Nile Virus

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family.

Avoid Mosquito Bites
Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.

When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.

Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquito-Proof Your HomeInstall or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it.

Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.