Community Corner

West Nile Found in Easton Mosquitoes

Pennsylvania DEP includes Easton on list of daily West Nile samples.

Two mosquitoes found in Easton Monday tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to the PA West Nile Control Program.

The mosquitoes were among 114 found to have the virus across the state on Monday. It was unknown if Palmer and Forks townships were among them.

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

Find out what's happening in Palmer-Forkswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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, according to NBC 10.

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

Find out what's happening in Palmer-Forkswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • 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."


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