Politics & Government

Positive West Nile Virus Samples Found In Whitpain

The latest round of testing found positive samples in 12 communities across Montgomery County this week, including in Whitpain.

WHITPAIN, PA — The latest rounds of West Nile Virus testing found positive samples in 12 communities across Montgomery County, including in Whitpain.

The samples came from five different tests that have been done by the Department of Health's West Nile Control Program.

The testing is done as part of routine surveillance for the virus. Mosquitoes are trapped around the county in breeding areas and are tested daily.

Find out what's happening in Lower Gwynedd-Ambler-Whitpainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The following towns had positive samples Wednesday, the Pennsylvania's West Nile Control Program announced:

  • Abington (3)
  • Collegeville (4)
  • Douglass (4)
  • Lower Moreland (7)
  • Norristown (3)
  • Pottstown (4)
  • Souderton (2)
  • Springfield (2)
  • Whitemarsh
  • Whitpain
  • Upper Merion
  • Upper Providence

According to the CDC, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of West Nile Virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, the CDC said.

Find out what's happening in Lower Gwynedd-Ambler-Whitpainwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

West Nile virus appeared for the first time in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and a horse in 2000.

It is most commonly spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. It can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), according to the CDC.

Image via Shutterstock


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