West Nile Risk Rises in Upper Macungie

Lehigh County residents have extra reason to now that many bugs have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Five mosquitoes were recorded with West Nile Virus in Upper Macungie Township, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Mosquitoes have also tested positive for West Nile in neighboring, Berks, Bucks and Schuylkill counties and Northampton counties.

No humans have contracted West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania so far this year.

West Nile cases occur predominantly in late summer and early fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC recommends:

-          Using insect repellent when going outdoors

-          Having good screens on windows and doors to keep bugs out of your house

-          Getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water in pots, buckets, barrels, tires and other containers around your residence

Here are  more tips:

CDC link: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnil/wnv_factsheet.htm

DEP link: http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/index.html