First West Nile mosquitoes of 2017 collected in Dauphin County

July 11--Dauphin County has reported its first two mosquito samples infected with West Nile.

The infected samples in Harrisburg and Swatara Twp. on July 6, but no human cases have been reported in Dauphin County.

Two positive samples were collected last month in Cumberland County -- in Lemoyne and in East Pennsboro Twp.

West Nile virus, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk.

Symptoms in severe cases include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, tremors and convulsions, according to a news release from Cumberland County, and demand immediate medical attention. Less than one percent of infections develop into encephalitis.

The CDC recommends the following precautions to help guard against he spread of West Nile virus:

--Remove any standing water around your home -- including in pots, containers, pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools and gutters.

--Buy products with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) for stagnant pools of water in your lawn or garden. It's a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets and plants.

--Fit screens tightly over doors and windows.

--Wear long sleeves and long pants, and keep your ankles covered when outside if you can, especially at peak mosquito times -- dawn and dusk. You can also reduce outdoor exposure.

--Use insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months, so consult your child's physicians.

"Although the risk of contracting WNV from an infected mosquito is small, people -- particularly the elderly and those with compromised immune systems -- should try to reduce their risk," Dauphin County Commissioner George P. Hartwick III said in a news release.

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