Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Second Municipality Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

A second municipality has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Schuylkill County.


 Last week, it was reported that a mosquito tested positive for the virus in Pine Grove Township.  A report released on Friday has shown that a second mosquito has test positive in the borough of Pine Grove.

45 out of the Pennsylvania's 67 has discovered mosquitoes testing positive for the virus.  Only one human case has been reported.   No mosquito spraying has been scheduled for Schuylkill 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 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.