West Nile Virus Found On Main Line: Officials

Mosquito samples taken from a location on the Main Line have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to local officials

The samples were collected Sept. 12 from the Shortridge Park area of Wynnewood, township officials said.

The Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) informed the township of the positive samples Monday, Sept. 25.

"The Township has NOT been notified of any action deemed necessary by the MCHD in response to the positive tests, but will provide updates if further information becomes available, or if adult mosquito control is needed," Lower Merion Township said. "The MCHD will continue to monitor Township parks."

Taking steps listed on the MCHD website can help reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus or any other mosquito-borne illness, the township said.

Below are the way the MCHD says you can help limit the mosquito population near you, as well as limit the spread of West Nile:

• When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not being used.

For more information on West Nile Virus, contact the Montgomery County Health Department at (610) 278-5117, or visit the Health Department’s web page on the virus.

Information on the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus Control Program is available online here..

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