Community Corner

West Nile Virus Sickens Eastern Pa. Man

Pennsylvania reports its first human cases of West Nile Virus in 2013.

Pennsylvania has recorded its first probable human cases of the West Nile Virus for 2013, according to the State Department of Health.

The virus was found in patients in York and Montgomery counties, as well as in mosquitoes in 36 of the state's 67 counties.

One of the patients, a man in Montgomery County, was hospitalized, the department said. The York County man was not hospitalized. State officials did not release the names, ages or other details about the men.

Lehigh and Northampton counties have both been designated as "hot zones" for West Nile by the DEP this summer. The virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Lower Macungie Township, Salisbury Township and North Whitehall Township. Crews sprayed to knock down the mosquito population in North Whitehall last week.

Here's how you can reduce your risk for West Nile:

  • Eliminate all standing water. It could collect in wheelbarrows, wading pools or old tires. Turn them over or put them away.
  • Clean out roof gutters.
  • If you have an ornamental pond or pool, aerate it or stock it with fish.
  • Make sure screens are tight and in good condition.
  • Limit exposure at peak mosquito times, which are dawn and dusk.
  • Use insect repellent.


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