Delco's West Nile-Carrying Mosquito Count Increases

HAVERFORD, PA — Delaware County's West Nile Virus-carrying mosquito count has increased, according to state officials.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection officials said another positive sample was collected sometime between Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 in the county.

The most recent sample was in Haverford.

This marks Delco's ninth positive sample collected in 2019, and the second in Haverford.

Six samples collected Friday, Aug. 9 tested positive.

They were found in Radnor, Haverford, Springfield, and Upper Darby townships.

Officials found one sample each in Radnor and Haverford. Springfield and Upper Darby had two positive samples.

According to the DEP, Delco's first positive hit was a sample taken in Upper Darby on June 28.

Then, a sample collected July 31 Upper Providence Township tested positive for the virus.

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.