Sample of West Nile virus tested positive in Harrisburg

A second sample of West Nile virus was collected in Harrisburg.

The Dauphin County Conservation District collected the infected sample on Aug. 14, according to a statement released by Dauphin County.

No one in the county has contracted West Nile virus to date.

The conservation district will work to reduce the mosquito population. Some species of mosquitoes carry West Nile, which can be deadly when it is transmitted to people. About one in five who are infected develop fever and other symptoms, according to the Federal Center for Disease Control.

In addition, about one in every 150 people infected has serious, sometimes fatal, illness. The virus causes an infection that can lead to inflammation of the brain.

"All residents in areas where the activity of the virus has been identified are at risk of contracting West Nile virus," according to county commissioners.

Commissioner Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Harwick, III recommend the following precautions:

• 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.