The Montgomery County Health Department is warning local residents about the discovery of the West Nile virus in Pottstown.
The Department tested 48 mosquito pools for the West Nile Virus and claims that one pool tested positive. The Department also says no confirmed human cases of active West Nile Virus Disease in Montgomery County have been confirmed.
A mosquito pool is a collection of around 50 mosquitoes of any species or group that are likely to carry or transmit a virus, according to the Health Department.
The Health Department says they will enhance existing larvae and adult mosquito collections in the area where the mosquito pool was found and will take additional controls as needs are identified.
IN 2011, Montgomery County had 50 pools test positive for West Nile Virus though no confirmed human cases with the disease were reported.
The West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness and is a seasonal epidemic that flares up in the summer and continues in the fall. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and other mammals.
The Health Department says one in 150 people infected with the virus develop severe illness. Severe symptoms include fever, headache, coma, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss and paralysis. Up to 20 percent of people infected suffer milder symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting and a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Mild symptoms can last between a few days to several weeks. Around 80 percent of people infected with the virus don’t suffer any symptoms.
The Health Department released the following tips to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Disease:
- Make sure gutters and drainpipes are clean and running freely.
- Check and repair windows and screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
- Survey property and remove containers that collect standing water such as: old tires, cans, bottles, buckets, toys, kiddie pools, pool covers, bird baths, flowerpots and empty plant containers.
- Avoid mosquito-breeding areas during peak periods of mosquito activity.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, making sure to cover feet and ankles.
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. FOLLOW THE LABEL DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. Do NOT apply to face.
- NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO APPLY REPELLENTS. Parents should avoid applying repellents to the hands of children
- Repellents should NOT be applied to very young children (less then 3 years old).
- Discuss any concerns with a private physician.
Click on the following links for more information:
- Pennsylvania West Nile Website
- Montgomery County Health Department
- Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- Pennsylvania State University and Cooperative Extension
- Environmental Protection Agency
- United States Department of Agriculture
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
