Third Mosquito Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

The Montgomery County Health Department has collected a third mosquito sample that tested positive with West Nile Virus from Horsham Township.

The sample was collected on Aug. 13 at Cedar Hill Road Park in Horsham. The Health Department and the Department of Environmental Protection will continue to monitor the area.

In July, the first mosquito sample with the West Nile Virus was found at Lukens Park. Then, a few weeks later, the second positive sample was found at 46 Whetstone Road.

In rare instances, humans afflicted with the West Nile Virus have died.  

Steps you can take around your home to help prevent the breeding of mosquitoes: 

• West Nile Virus is a disease that is spread by infected mosquitoes. The best defense is to eliminate sources of standing water in your yard where mosquitoes may lay eggs. Fill, cover or remove any items that can trap water. 
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have collected on your property. 
• Pay special attention to discarded tires. 
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors. 
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. 
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. 
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths. 
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. 
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. 

For more information visit: www.health.montcopa.org or contact the Montgomery County Health Department at 610-278-5117.