Kids & Family

West Nile Found in Borough Mosquitoes

The Department of Environmental Protection finds West Nile present in mosquitoes tested from the borough.

The state Department of Environmental Protection released a statement Wednesday that said that a few mosquitoes found in the borough of West Chester tested positive for West Nile Virus.

This does not mean all mosquitoes have West Nile only that their is a slightly better chance of infection.

The chances of contracting the disease are small, and that the chance of becoming seriously ill from West Nile are even smaller.

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However, the health department advises that residents use bug repellent and avoid wet or marshy area during the dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active.

The health department also makes the following recommendations:

Find out what's happening in West Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Remove or clean up any mosquito-breeding sites on your property. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure that trash cans are not left outside uncovered, wading pools are covered or emptied, and other sources of stagnant water are eliminated.
  • Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Be sure your window screens are in good condition.
  • Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening during mosquito active periods (Usually April – October).
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you are outdoors.
  • Apply approved insect repellent to exposed skin. Follow all manufacturers instructions.
  • Do not handle dead or sick birds directly. Use gloves or a long-handled shovel and bury them if not accepted for lab testing, otherwise use double or triple plastic bags and seal with a twist-tie before disposal.


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