4 Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Bristol Township

Four mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Bristol Township, state officials announced Tuesday.

The samples were among 14 in Bucks County that tested positive for the virus in the most recent sampling. Other samples were located in Bensalem, where there were five found, Penndel, Morrisville, Middletown, Lower Makefield and Falls.

Mosquitoes are trapped around the county in breeding areas and tested for West Nile as part of routine surveillance.

The risk of being infected with West Nile from a mosquito is very low, officials said, but residents are still urged to take simple precautions, like using repellent and removing standing water from their property.

The following guidelines have been offered to help residents:

• Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk during warmer months since most types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during these times. Be aware though that some types of mosquitoes bite most frequently during the daytime.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and socks. Choose clothing that is light colored and made of tightly woven material.
• Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside.
• If you choose to use insect repellents, useEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registeredrepellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness. When used as directed, EPA-registered repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
• Always read and follow the product label instructions carefully.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed.
• Do NOT spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
• To protect your child from mosquito bites:
• Do NOT use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.
• Do NOT use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
• Do NOT apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
• Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
• Clothing and gear treated with permethrin or permethrin spray for clothing is available for purchase. Read and follow product information carefully to determine if this is a solution for you.
• Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
• If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
• Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.
• To protect your pets:
• Do NOT use any product on pets unless it is specifically made for pets.