5/3/17
by News Department on 05/03/17West Nile virus...
The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Cressona, the first sample to test positive for the virus this year in the state.
According to the Republican Herald, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported the sample was collected April 21.
West Nile virus is mostly spread by mosquitoes and causes flu-like symptoms which can result in encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Symptoms can show three to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.
There were 16 positive cases of the virus detected in humans statewide in 2016; however, none of those were in Schuylkill County.
The DEP says, one way residents can help protect themselves from West Nile virus is by eliminating standing water, in which mosquitoes breed.
