2nd West Nile Mosquito Reported In Warminster

WARMINSTER, PA — A second mosquito carrying the potentially dangerous West Nile virus has been captured in Warminster.

The mosquito was part of a batch announced Friday by Pennsylvania's West Nile Control Program, bringing the total number of mosquitoes that have tested positive for the virus in Bucks County this season to 14.

One mosquito in Bensalem and two in Warrington also were announced to have been tested positive on Friday. Mosquitoes with West Nile also have been captured in Bristol and Upper Southampton this season.

No human infections have been reported in Bucks County.

West Nile is most commonly spread to people by mosquito bites. About one in five people infected with West Nile develop a fever and other symptoms, and about one in 150 develop serious, sometimes fatal illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

West Nile can cause encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, in those extreme cases.

While the risk of becoming ill from a bite by a mosquito carrying West Nile is low, officials urge residents to take precautions, like using repellent and removing standing water from their property.

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