No Cases of West Nile in Humans Yet, DEP Says

A possible case of West Nile Virus may have been discovered at CareSTAT Urgent Care Center in Manoa Shopping Center. The case is currently being investigated by the state’s Bureau of Laboratories, however “We do not have any human confirmed cases,” Kait Gillis of the Pennsylvania Department of Health told Haverford Patch on Thursday.

There have been no confirmed cases of any people with West Nile. However, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, mosquito samples in 24 counties have been identified with the virus so far this year.

DEP recommends precautionary measures to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.

• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug 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 and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.

Other precautions that can prevent mosquito bites, according to DEP are:

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

 • Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.