Mosquito Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Lower Merion Township

Lower Merion, PA -- A mosquito sample from Lower Merion Township has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced Monday.

Montgomery County is one of a handful of counties in Pennsylvania which the state says have a "low risk," of West Nile Virus.

Most counties have a "remote risk," while only one county, Warren, has a "moderate" risk.

Positive mosquito tests have also been found in Upper Merion Township and Upper Dublin Township thus far in 2016.

The first human case in the state in 2016 was recorded on July 5 in Indiana County.

West Nile Virus control staff said they are responding with additional surveillance and control as needed. No sprayings are scheduled at this time.

West Nile was first confirmed in Pennsylvania in 2000when it was found in a horse, mosquitoes, and birds.

There have been nearly 40,000 cases of West Nile in the United States since then, and 119 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There was only been one case of West Nile in a human reported in Pennsylvania in 2015, although many western states have had more positive tests.

According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 5 infected humans will develop a fever and other symptoms from West Nile.

Less than one percent of humans infected develop a fatal neurologic illness, the CDC said.

For more information on staying safe from West Nile Virus and precautions which residents can take, see here.