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Add Dauphin County to the growing list of counties in Pennsylvania that tested positive for West Nile virus in 2019.
Staff from the Dauphin County Conservation District collected the first sample of infected mosquitoes in the Township of Washington on August 9th. No human case of the virus has been reported, according to Commissioner Jeff Haste, who oversees the conservation district.
"The county's West Nile virus control program strengthens surveillance and control measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes and prevent the spread of the virus," said Haste in a county statement.
Some species of mosquitoes carry the virus. When it is transmitted to humans, West Nile virus is known to cause encephalitis, an infection that can cause inflammation of the brain.
According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents close to the area where the virus has been detected are considered to be at risk of encephalitis by West Nile.
"Mosquitoes grow and replicate faster in hot, humid weather, like the time they are currently doing," said Commissioner Mike Pries. "Elderly and immunocompromised people are more likely to get sick and develop serious complications from the virus."
Dauphin County recommends the following:
- Buy products containing Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, and plants, for stagnant pools of water in the lawn and the garden.
- Remove stagnant water from pots, containers, pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, gutters and other containers that retain water.
- Make sure mosquito nets fit snugly over doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
- Remember to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks when you are outdoors, especially when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known to have a lot of mosquitoes.
- Reduce exposure outdoors at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually from April to October.
- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult a pediatrician or family doctor if you have questions about the use of children's repellents, as this is not recommended for children under two months old.
"Although the risk of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is low, people – especially the elderly and those with compromised immune systems – should try to reduce their risk," said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III.
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