A bird found in Palmer Township has tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to the PA West Nile Control Program.

Northampton County is considered a high risk as a West Nile hot zone, the agency states on its website.

Recently, two mosquitoes were found in Easton, among 114 found to have the virus across the state.

This year, Pennsylvania reported the earliest detection of a West Nile virus-carrying mosquito since testing began in 2000.

Last year, West Nile virus was detected in 59 counties, resulting in six human cases reported statewide. There have been no human cases in Pennsylvania so far in 2012.

Amanda Witman, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Environmental Protection, lists ways you can protect yourself from the virus.

• Eliminate all standing water. “That could include wheelbarrows and children’s wading pools. Turn those over or put them away...Stagnant water is where the mosquitoes breed."
• Clean out roof gutters. "That is another area they like."
• If you do have an ornamental pond or pool, "a good way to mitigate is to aerate or stock with fish."
• Make sure screens are tight and in good condition.
• Limit exposure at peak mosquito times, which are dawn and dusk.
• Use a repellent. "Natural options include oil of lemon eucalyptus."