Mosquitos Test Positive for West Nile in Horsham

Adding to what the Centers for Disease Control last month called the came news that a mosquito collection from Clearbook Park in Horsham tested positive for the infection.

Horsham Township made the announcement Friday afternoon regarding the infected mosquitos. 

Officials have said that the best protection against West Nile virus - which is spread to humans via infected mosquitos - is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Anyone who has spent time outdoors this summer can attest to how difficult that task may be. 

To help keep mosquitos away, consider the following tips:

• Eliminate sources of standing water in your yard where mosquitos 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 leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to clog drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. 
• Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use.

In all, 47 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitos this year, according to the CDC. More than reported 1,100 human infections have been reported, which resulted in 41 deaths.

Approximately 75 percent of the cases have been reported from five states (Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Dakota, and Oklahoma) and almost half of all cases reported are from Texas.

People can have a mild case of West Nile and not realize it. Mild symptoms, according to the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus Control Program, include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body Aches
• Occasional Skin Rash
• Occasional Swollen Lymph Glands

More severe symptoms include:

• Headache
• High Fever
• Neck Stiffness
• Stupor
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Muscle Weakness
• Paralysis

Click here for more on West Nile virus.