Avian Bird With West Nile Found In Upper Macungie

An avian bird was found with West Nile virus in Upper Macungie Township this week, according to state officials.

It is the in Upper Macungie Township this summer, according to state officials.

Earlier this week, , under the auspices of the Lehigh County West Nile Program.

A bird as well as mosquito samples from Upper Macungie Township have tested positive for West Nile virus this summer, according to state officials.

At least two mosquitoes have been found with West Nile virus in the township.

If you find a dead bird, report it as part of the state's West Nile control program.

Three additional human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) were identified in Pennsylvania this week, the state departments of Health and Environmental Protection reported this week.

Two of the illnesses are in Delaware County men; the third involves a woman in Centre County. All were hospitalized with meningitis and are recovering.  

This brings to five the total number of reported cases in Pennsylvania this year and expands the areas in which human disease has been recognized. The two previously reported cases were in Lancaster and Franklin counties.

Help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas on your property by doing the following:

• 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, 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.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

• 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, picaridin 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.