West Nile Mosquito Sample Found in West Whiteland

A mosquito sample in West Whiteland has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced.

The positive test was found on August 5, and was one of 22 positive tests around the state that were announced on Friday. Other positive tests around the state were found in:

• Adams - Butler Twp
• Adams - Huntington Twp
• Adams - Littlestown Boro
• Adams - Straban Twp
• Berks - Sinking Springs Boro
• Chester - West Whiteland Twp
• Cumberland - Camp Hill Boro
• Cumberland - South Middleton Twp
• Delaware - Haverford Twp (2)
• Delaware - Springfield Twp
• Delaware - Upper Darby Twp (2)
• Delaware - Yeadon Boro
• Luzerne - West Pittston Boro
• Philadelphia - Philadelphia City (5)
• York - Springettsbury Twp
• York - York City

Officials said Friday that WNV staff are responding with additional surveillance and control as needed.

No sprayings have been scheduled for West Whiteland. It's the first positive test in the township this year. Nearby, Treydffrin has had several positive tests. In Montgomery County, sprayings have been scheduled for several municipalities.

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.

West Nile Virus typically causes fever but can lead to neurological illness in extremely rare cases.
For more details on what residents can do to limit mosquito populations and protect themselves from the virus, see here.