West Nile Virus Found in Warminster
More than 70 mosquito samples and three birds tested positive for West Nile virus today in Pennsylvania, including seven in Bucks County.
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Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have now been found in Bensalem, Warminster, Warrington and Northampton, as well as 14 other municipalities across Pennsylvania. So far this season, 22 dead birds in 14 counties also tested positive, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
DEP spokeswoman Amanda Witman said that there have been more than 400 positive samples statewide in Pennsylvania since May 3. However, there have been no human cases to this point, Witman said.
But according to the DEP, Bucks County is now a High Risk hot zone for West Nile mosquitoes. The West Nile season runs from May 31 through Oct. 31 every year, Witman said. That means we are in the middle of West Nile season.
Of the 607 mosquito samples collected in Buck so far this season, 33 have tested positive, or a little more than 5 percent.
To help protect yourself, make sure there is no standing water in flower pots, discarded tires, birdbaths, wading pools, gutters or any place where water can collect and remain stagnate.
Also, wear shoes, socks and long pants when outside and use DEET repellent if necessary.
Laurinda
3:54 pm on Friday, July 27, 2012
I've been checking the CDC and other websites to see if there are any plans to control mosquito populations, I'm not seeing anything. I remember a few years ago they had planes come through and spray and last year the county sent out a truck and an ATV to do some spraying. I would love to hear if there are plans to do some sort of mass spraying to keep this issue under control.
Unknown Citizen
4:35 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012
Dear Laurinda, Which is worse? Getting pesticide rained on your head by an unexpected low flying plane or getting the west nile virus? Is West Nile deadly to humans? Does pesticide cause cancer? Pick your poison.
Laurinda
11:34 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
Wow, I really wasn't trying to get into a heated debate with anyone. I was just hoping the editor would give us a heads up if there was any news as to planned spraying because I do like to prepare for that by staying indoors when it occurs. No poison to pick. If the township plans to spray, it will happen whether if some "unknown citizen" makes a big stink about it or not. Just wanted to stay informed.
Λάρισα0
3:23 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Whoa, buddy. Who pissed in your Cheerios this morning? ;)
CyD252
3:15 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Just a few prevention tips...
First off, use an decent insect repellent. Consumer Reports gave the best marks to DEET-based products made by OFF, Cutter and 3M - all with DEET levels at/above 15%. I have no problem with DEET, but if you do, CR recommends "Repel - Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus" or "Natrapel 8-Hour with picaridin."
All other products got significantly lower marks - including Avon's products.
Unknown Citizen
8:30 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The problem is the Township wont properly inform the people if they spray. It might be an article somewhere or on the township website. Its not like the will send a flyer to your house or use the automatic phone system.
You will be sitting there getting some sun enjoying the day, when you all of a sudden hear a plane flying low, you wont think much about it, until you feel what you believe to be a Sun Shower and then realize it wasnt. Thats what happened to me last time they sprayed. Forgive me for being upset.
CyD252
9:42 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Has anyone bothered to call the Township office, and simply asking them if there are any plans to spray, and if so, how they plan to notify residents?
Pete Krenshaw
11:30 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Does the Township perform the spraying or is it DEP or some other state organization? Knowing this Township and the financial strain we are dealing with, I doubt they are taking on any sort of mosquito spraying missions.
S. J.
12:43 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
What financial strain is the township having. The last month it has been reported that the township's website is being redesigned, I'm sure for a cost. Some company converted the old street lights to new LED street lights (at a cost and why since stores now have lights near the streets so maybe the township lights should have been taken down) and they are milling and paving roads like Cypress. I might be wrong but I don't think Cypress road is traveled like Mearns Rd which was recently milled/paved.