West Nile Blitz: 48 Positive Samples in Two Days, Including Chester County

A total of 48 positive West Nile mosquito samples were recorded in Pennsylvania on Wednesday and Thursday, including several in the Philadelphia area.

The positive tests were part of routine sampling in areas with high mosquito populations.

Positive tests were also recorded in Bucks, Berks, and Delaware Counties. The following local municipalities were affected:

• Chester - Tredyffrin Twp (2)
• Chester - West Chester Boro
• Chester - Kennett Twp

• Montgomery - Upper Providence Twp
• Montgomery - Norristown Boro
• Montgomery - Pottstown Boro
• Philadelphia - Philadelphia City

Chemical sprayings are scheduled in Bucks County and have already been done this year in Lower Merion.

West Nile was first confirmed in Pennsylvania in 2000when it was found in a horse, mosquitoes, and birds.There have been nearly 40,000 cases of West Nile in the United States since then, and 119 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There was only been one case of West Nile in a human reported in Pennsylvania in 2015, although many western states have had more positive tests.

According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 5 infected humans will develop a fever and other symptoms from West Nile.

Less than one percent of humans infected develop a fatal neurological illness, the CDC said.

For more information on staying safe from West Nile Virus and precautions which residents can take, see here.