Bucks County Latest West Nile Virus Case

PA West Nile Virus county status

Community News: Bucks County woman latest West Nile virus case in PA.

According to Pennsylvania’s West Nile Control program, a Bucks County woman became the eighth person in the keystone state infected with West Nile virus. According to the program, five out of the eight cases are individuals represented in eastern-southeastern Pennsylvania: Two in Delaware County, one in Lehigh, one in Bucks and one in Lancaster County.

Image of PA counties with West Nile Virus risk

Pennsylvania counties at risk for West Nile Virus

Insect experts and epidemiologist believe the mild winter followed by a hot and dry summer is core contributions to West Nile virus epidemic. In addition to the human cases document by the Pa. West Nile Control Program, a number of mosquitoes were caught in local nesting grounds and subsequently tested positive.

Please note: Mosquito control crews will be spraying and monitoring the following local locations (weather permitting) this week:

Monday, Aug. 20: Bucks Co. – portions of Falls Township. Rain date, Tuesday, Aug. 21

*Tuesday, Aug. 21: Delaware Co. -of Tuesday, Aug. 21, portions of Sharon Hill, Collingdale, Yeadon and Darby boroughs and Darby Township. Rain date, Wednesday, Aug. 22.

*Tuesday, Aug. 21: in West Chester Borough, West Goshen Township, and East Bradford Township. The area is between West Miner St (Rt. 842) to the north, Birmingham Rd to the west, South New St to the east and Tigue Rd to the south. Rain date, Wednesday, Aug. 22. Residents are urged to stay indoors and close windows during treatment for approximately one hour after spraying is complete.

August and September are the peak times for West Nile virus. People are urged to “Fight The Bite,” to prevent mosquito bites.

Please read the following “What Can I Do” to prevent West Nile in your community. Remember, the best defense against the West Nile is not giving them a place to breed. Here are things you can do around your property within your community.

Dispose of any sort of water-holding container such as cans, pots and even your children’s kiddie pools.
Pay extremely close attention to unwanted tires. Stagnant water in tires is ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
If your recycling container doesn’t already have drilled weep holes, make sure you drill them yourself as they are left outdoors and inevitably can become a water-holding container.
Make sure your rough gutters are cleaned at least once a year. Moreover, if you have hanging trees or shrubs near them that plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
Turnaround wheelbarrows and do not let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide ideal breeding locations for domestic mosquitoes.

According to Pennsylvania’s West Nile virus program, if West Nile virus is found in your community here are ways to protect yourself, family and friends:

Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
Don’t walk around barefoot. Wear shoes, socks, pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for an extensive period of time—or when mosquitoes are active.
Consider the use of mosquito or bug repellent. If applied, wash all skin and clothing when returning indoors. View the CDC’s latest information on the use of DEET in Insect Repellent Use and Safety.

Always feel free to contact your local Green Pest Professionals at 610-441-9200 with any questions regarding mosquitoes and or other pests and insects. We are your number one community pest and insect control resource. And for more state information, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.