West Nile-Carrying Mosquito Found In East Whiteland Township

EAST WHITELAND TOWNSHIP, PA – A mosquito sample collected in East Whiteland Township was found to be carrying West Nile Virus, according to the latest state data.

The positive sample was collected Tuesday in East Whiteland. This is the first positive sample found in East Whiteland, but positive samples have been found in Willistown, Tredyffrin, Easttown, and West Whiteland this summer.

Thirteen more mosquito samples with West Nile Virus were collected in Chester County on Tuesday, bringing the total positive hits to 49 so far this summer.

Areas in which positive samples were found Tuesday were:

• Birmingham
• Chester
• East Goshen
• East Whiteland
• Kennett
• North Coventry – two samples
• Oxford
• Parkesburg – two samples
• Pennsbury
• South Coatesville
• Spring City
• Tredyffrin

You can see a full list of impacted counties and the number of positive samples by clicking here.

West Nile virus appeared for the first time in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and a horse in 2000.

It is most commonly spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It can cause febrile illness, encephalitis, or meningitis, according to the CDC.

According to the CDC, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of West Nile Virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, the CDC said.

The best way to control mosquitoes is still to get rid of standing water on your property, according to information provided by the state's West Nile Virus Control Program.

The following guidelines have been offered to help residents minimize their risk:

• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk during warmer months since most types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during these times. Be aware though that some types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during the daytime.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and socks. Choose clothing that is light colored and made of tightly woven material.
• Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside.
• Cover or empty containers such as trash cans, wading pools, wheelbarrows, and pots.
• Turn containers upside down when not in use so they don't collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
• Get rid of old tires.
• Change the water in bird baths every three to five days.
• Check storm drains, window wells, and underneath leaky faucets for standing water.

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