West Nile Virus Found in Palmer Mosquito

The West Nile virus, already having its biggest-ever year, continues to be a threat.

Fourty-four mosquito samples recently tested positive for the virus, including one in and one in Easton, according to the state's West Nile Control Program.

It's the second go-around for both Palmer and Easton this year.

tested positive for West Nile virus in Easton recently along with a .

Two men were infected with the virus in Lehigh County so far this year.

The West Nile virus is the worst ever, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The number of cases so far this year is the highest recorded since the disease was first detected in the United States in 1999.

As of Aug. 21, 38 states had reported human infections. The cases reported to the CDC total 1,118, including 41 deaths.

Easton and Palmer and Forks townships were sprayed for mosquitoes a few months ago.

Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.

According to the latest testing, a mosquito also tested positive for West Nile in Bethlehem Township.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.