Community Corner

Bird, Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Bethlehem residents should beware of West Nile Virus being spread by mosquitoes.

A bird and two mosquitoes found in Bethlehem have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection.

Residents are urged to get rid of standing water on their property and take other precautions against mosquito bites.

Pennsylvania had its first West Nile fatality of 2013 last week when a Bucks County man died. Officials haven't released any details about the death or the victim.

So far this year, seven Pennsylvania residents have been sickened by West Nile, including a woman who contracted the virus in Florida. Last year there were 60 cases, and four people died. 

Prevention and Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control recommends using an EPA-certified mosquito repellant if you’re going to be outdoors, and lists some additional prevention tips on their website, including:

  • When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.
  • Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors.
  • At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.

The CDC website lists varying degrees of symptoms, including: 

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  • Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people will develop high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, and paralysis.
  • Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
  • No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms.


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