Positive samples of West Nile in the communities of 6 Bucks Co.

Several communities in Bucks County have mosquitoes that have been tested positive for West Nile virus in the latest findings, state authorities announced Wednesday

. Township (2)

District of Bristol

Township of Falls

Township of Lower Makefield

District of Quakertown

Township of Warminster

Testing is conducted as part of routine monitoring of the virus. Mosquitoes are trapped around the county in breeding areas and are tested daily.

Bucks County authorities plan to spray Thursday in parts of Penndel and Middletown Township. A spraying was done last week in Bensalem

According to the CDC, about one in five people who are infected develop fever and other symptoms. About one in every 150 people infected develops a serious, sometimes fatal illness. You can reduce your risk of West Nile virus by using insect repellents and by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, says the CDC. West Nile virus first appeared in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and horses in 2000.

It is most commonly spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), according to the CDC.

The following guidelines have been proposed to help residents at risk:

• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk during the warmer months since most types of mosquitoes sting most frequently during these periods. Be aware, however, that certain types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during the day.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Choose light colored clothing made from tight woven materials.
• Stay in the places where the air is laid and the mosquito nets windows and doors to keep them outside
• Sleep under a mosquito net if you are abroad or at home l & # 39; abroad. If you choose to use insect repellents, use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridine, IR3535, eucalyptus oil lemon or para-menthane-diol
• empty containers such as garbage cans, wading pools, wheelbarrows and pots.
• Return containers when they are not used to not collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
• Change the water in the bird baths every three to five days
• Check the storm sewers, window sinks and under leaking faucets for stagnant water.
• Clean the gutters each year.
• Air and / or store ornamental ponds with fish.
• Keep the pools clean and chlorinated. Make sure the water does not accumulate on pool covers.
• Treat stagnant water that can not be drained with Bti products. Bti is a natural bacterial product that kills mosquito larvae and is safe for humans, pets, aquatic life and plants. You can find these products at local lawn and garden supply stores.
• Make sure window screens and doors are tight enough to keep mosquitoes out of your home
• . Mosquitoes have difficulty flying in high winds.
• Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights that tend to attract fewer mosquitoes.

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