21 Mosquitoes In Bucks Co. Test Positive For West Nile

Twenty one mosquitoes in Bucks County tested positive for West Nile in the state's most recent sampling, the results of which were released Wednesday afternoon.

Positive West Nile samples were located in mosquitoes found in these communities, according to July 25 data:

• Bristol Twp (2)
• Doylestown Twp (2)
• Falls Twp (3)
• Lower Makefield Twp
• Middletown Twp (3)
• Morrisville Borough
• New Britain Twp (3)
• Penndel Borough
• Perkasie Borough
• Richland Twp
• Warminster Twp (3)

It is the most positive samples found in Bucks County on a single day so far this summer, according to state data.

So far this season, at least 12 Bucks County communities have had positive samples. Communities with positive samples this summer include Lower Makefield, Falls, Northampton, Bristol, Warminster, and more. Several spray operations have been conducted by the county; one is scheduled Wednesday evening in Lower Makefield.

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.

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 (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), according to the CDC.

Most infections are mild, however, according to information from the Bucks County Health Department. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and are often accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

The incubation period is between five and 15 days for humans.

Click here to review a West Nile fact sheet prepared by the county.

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