West Nile Detected in Newtown Township

Mosquitos with West Nile have been detected in Newtown Township, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

According to the DEP, 18 sites statewide tested positive for the virus in its most recent sampling. A test on July 30 detected the virus in mosquitos in Newtown Township, however a DEP spokesman could not provide a specific location of where the infected mosquitos were found.

Other areas in Bucks where mosquitos tested positive in the most recent sampling include Buckingham Township, Northampton Township and New Britain Township.

Mosquitos from Buckingham Township also tested positive in late July. Bucks County's West Nile control program sprayed a Buckingham Township park Friday in an attempt to eradicate mosquitos with the virus.

According to a news release, “DEP and county west nile virus staff are responding with additional surveillance and control as needed.” 

Bucks County is listed as a hot zone for West Nile by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Two people in Bucks were sickened by West Nile last year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile is transmitted via mosquitos and there are currently no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. 

“Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness,” the CDC website says.

The best thing residents can do is get rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed on their property, according to experts.

Here are more tips to reduce exposure to West Nile:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.

• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.