Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Vector Management is reporting York County mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile Virus. Samples containing Culex restuans collected by the York County Mosquito Surveillance Program in various York County locations have tested positive. Additional mosquito surveillance, sampling and larval control are being performed as necessary by the Mosquito Surveillance Program and the Department of Environmental Protection in Springettsbury Township.
The York County Mosquito Surveillance Program recommends residents be proactive by inspecting their yards and take a few minutes to clean up and reduce yard clutter. Residents may also purchase a variety of mosquito control and repellent products from most home and garden centers. Performing a community-wide cleanup is the only way to eliminate most mosquito concerns. Residents are urged to contact their local municipality to help promote cleaning up to reduce mosquito concerns and disease risk. Storm water management systems can sometimes contribute to mosquito issues and are also routinely monitored by the Mosquito Surveillance Program.
Residents should also use repellents when spending time outside. For individuals who do not like to use repellents, the department recommends taking an electric fan outside with them. As a last resort, residents can purchase insecticides from garden centers and hardware stores to spray in their own yards, but they need to be sure to follow the label instructions.
York County residents may report mosquito concerns through http://www.westnile.state.pa.us. They can also contact the York County Mosquito Surveillance Program by calling 717-840-2375 or emailing LMGraybill@yorkcountypa.gov. For more information about West Nile Virus and Zika Virus symptoms in humans, readers may call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH.
Leave a Review