West Nile Virus Found In Lower Merion

Update: The Montgomery County Office of Public Health told Patch the following:

"Mosquito sampling in the Wynnewood area of Lower Merion Township on August 13 detected the presence of West Nile Virus in the mosquito population.

At this time, additional analysis is being conducted to determine the most appropriate mitigation measures for the area. Any decisions regarding treatment activities will be based on surveillance data, environmental conditions, and guidance from public health and mosquito control experts."

LOWER MERION, PA — West Nile Virus was detected in a mosquito population in Lower Merion, officials said.

Montgomery County's Public Health Office reported the virus was found in a sample of mosquitos collected last Thursday, according to an advisory shared by the Township.

A precise location wasn't immediately available. Patch is reaching out to officials and will update as more information becomes available.

No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Eastern Pennsylvania this year, according to CDC data. But the mosquito-borne illness has been detected in mosquito samples across the region, including 29 in Montgomery County as of Monday.

"We have had a rainy, hot, and humid summer, and those conditions are just what mosquitoes need to thrive," the advisory says. "While we cannot change the weather, we can take appropriate precautions to protect ourselves from mosquito bites and reduce exposure to West Nile Virus."

Officials recommend the following:

• Remove or drain standing water from gutters, tires and containers. Be vigilant, especially during rainy weather.
• Make sure screens on doors and windows are in good condition.
• When possible, avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, when mosquitos are most active. If you go outside while mosquitos are active, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Apply a mosquito repellent with an EPA registration number.

West Nile Virus is most-commonly spread through a bite from an infected mosquito, according to health officials. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.

Severe illness can impact the central nervous and cause hospitalization or death.

Residents with questions can call the Montgomery County Office of Public Health at 610-278-5117.