Community Corner
West Nile-Infected Mosquito Found Nearby
Bucks County has been listed as a 'hot zone' by the Pa. West Nile Virus Control Program.
A mosquito collected in Newtown tested positive on Friday for West Nile Virus, according to the state West Nile Virus Control Program.
Bucks, along with Chester and Montgomery counties, has been designated as a "hot zone" and is at high risk for the disease.
A Montgomery County man was reported earlier this week to be Pennsylvania's first human cases of West Nile Virus in 2013.
The best way to prevent the disease is to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, according to the program website:
*Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property.
*Stagnant water in tires are where most mosquitoes breed.*Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
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*Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
*Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
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*Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
*Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
*Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.
Additionally the site lists ways to protect yourself:
*Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
*Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
*Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
*Click here for the CDC's latest information on the use of DEET in Insect Repellent Use and Safety.
*Electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito bites. They are mosquito control myths.
For more information, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH or your local West Nile Coordinator.
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