Several More Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Across Montco

Several more mosquitoes in Montgomery County have tested positive West Nile Virus, the state's most recent data indicates.

Ten mosquito samples in eight separate Montgomery County communities have tested positive for West Nile over the past week.

Infected samples were found in Douglass, Horsham, Lower Moreland, Marlborough, Norristown, Pottstown (three), Souderton, and Springfield.

The testing is done by the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus Control Program as part of routine surveillance for the virus. Mosquitoes are trapped around the county in breeding areas and are tested daily.

Bucks County isn't the only Pennsylvania community impacted by the virus this season. Positive samples have been located in 38 Pennsylvania counties, including Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia. You can see a full list of impacted counties and the number of positive samples by clicking here.

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

It is most commonly spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It can cause febrile illness, encephalitis, or meningitis, according to the CDC.

According to the CDC, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of West Nile Virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, the CDC said.

The best way to control mosquitoes is still to get rid of standing water on your property, according to information provided by the state's West Nile Virus Control Program.

The following guidelines have been offered to help residents minimize their risk:

• 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 outside.
• Cover or empty containers such as trash cans, wading pools, wheelbarrows, and pots.
• Turn containers upside down when not in use so they don't collect water.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
• Get rid of old tires.
• Change the water in bird baths every three to five days.
• Check storm drains, window wells, and underneath leaky faucets for standing water.

Patch file photo