According to the Department of Health, as of September 27th, 20 mosquitoes have tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Schuylkill County.
Prior to September, 16 tested positive in the following municipalities on the listed dates
Cressona Boro 4/21/2017
Cressona Boro 7/21/2017
Schuylkill Haven Boro 7/28/2017
Cressona Boro 7/28/2017
Cressona Boro 8/3/2017
Cressona Boro 8/3/2017
Schuylkill Haven Boro 8/4/2017
Tamaqua Boro 8/8/2017
Rush Twp 8/8/2017
Cressona Boro 8/8/2017
Mahanoy Twp 8/17/2017
Mahanoy Twp 8/17/2017
Frackville Boro 8/17/2017
Gilberton Boro 8/17/2017
West Mahanoy Twp 8/17/2017
West Mahanoy Twp 8/17/2017
Earlier in September, 4 more mosquitoes tested positive on the listed dates
West Penn Twp 9/1/2017
West Penn Twp 9/1/2017
West Brunswick Twp 9/8/2017
Deer Lake Boro 9/8/2017
No humans, birds, or animals have tested positive for the virus.
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 Home - Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it.
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 Home - Install 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.