FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**Mosquito Testing Confirms Presence of West Nile Virus in Paradise Township, Fairview Township, Springettsbury Township, North Codorus Township, Hellam Township, Wellsville Boro,
[York County, 08/03/23] – The County of York Mosquito Disease Control program has been notified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that mosquito pools collected from Paradise Township, Fairview Township, Springettsbury Township, North Codorus Township, Hellam Township, Wellsville Boro, have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While most people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms, some individuals may develop mild to severe symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. In rare cases, particularly among the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications and even death.
As a precautionary measure, the County of York and PA DEP are actively monitoring mosquito activity in the affected area and implementing appropriate measures to control the mosquito population. Residents are urged to take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce potential breeding sites around their homes.
The CDC recommends the following preventive measures:
1. **Use Insect Repellent:** Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD) to exposed skin and clothing.
2. **Stay Indoors during Dusk and Dawn:** Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus are most active during dusk and dawn. Minimize outdoor activities during these times.
3. **Cover Up:** Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
4. **Eliminate Standing Water:** Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, and other containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
5. **Screen Windows and Doors:** Ensure that window and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside.
Residents are encouraged to report any dead birds, which can be potential indicators of West Nile Virus activity to the York County Mosquito Disease Control program or the DEP reporting tool https://gis.dep.pa.gov/dead_bird_geoform/
For more information and updates on West Nile Virus prevention and control measures, residents can visit the DEP’s official website at https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/Vector-Management/Mosquitoes/Pages/default.aspx or contact the York County Mosquito Disease Control program at (717) 840-2375
###END OF PRESS RELEASE###
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lee Graybill
Administrator-York County Mosquito Disease Control
(717)840-2375
LMGraybill@YorkCountyPA.gov