2 Humans Contract West Nile Virus In Chester County

Two individuals from Chester County have contracted West Nile Virus, the state confirmed Thursday.

The pair of local positive tests were among four humans who tested positive for the virus statewide, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced. One individual in Clinton County and another Northumberland County also tested positive.

Meanwhile, 50 more mosquito samples tested positive for the virus, as well as two birds and four "veterinary" samples, indicating cats or dogs.

West Nile Virus has skyrocketed in Pennsylvania in 2017. There have been a total of 2,117 positive mosquito samples thus far, compared with only 1,078 in 2016 and 1,928 in 2015, which was the previous record high.

The risk of a human being infected with West Nile from a mosquito remains very low, according to officials, but is obviously increased this year.

The virus typically causes fever, but in rare cases can lead to severe neurological illness.

After the four humans tested positive for the virus Thursday, the total number of human cases for 2017 is up to 11. In 2016, there were only six positives, according to online records from the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus Control Program. There were 27 in 2015.

Residents are urged to take simple precautions, like using repellent and removing standing water from their property.

Patch file photo