West Nile Virus Identified In Area Mosquito Pools

This from the Chester County Health Department:

The Chester County Health Department is informing residents that two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus in the following locations:

• Barker Park, West Goshen Township bordering East Goshen Township
• South Concord Road, West Goshen Township, bordering Westtown Township

Mosquito traps were placed in various locations in the County as part of routine surveillance by Health Department officials. The Health Department will continue to monitor this area as well as surrounding areas and will consider control activities when appropriate.

The likelihood of contracting WNV from an infected mosquito is small and chances of becoming seriously ill are even smaller, however, the Health Department recommends that individuals take personal precautions to minimize the possibility of being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

This includes staying indoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants when outside and using insect repellents when mosquitoes are active.

The heightened concern will probably remain until the first frost which usually occurs in mid-October.

For more information about WNV, visit us at www.chesco.org/health or call 610-344-6752.