For more information on the West Nile Program, please contact Pete Ackley

(Peter.Ackley@pa.nacdnet.net).

Special Note: If you found a dead bird, please see below for the new reporting procedures this year.

West Nile Virus is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East.  It is closely related to St. Louis encephalitis virus which is also found in the United States.  The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals.  It is not known how long it has been in the U.S., but CDC scientists believe the virus has probably been in the eastern U.S. since the early summer of 1999, possibly longer.

In 2000, West Nile virus appeared for the first time in Pennsylvania in birds, mosquitoes and a horse.  

To combat the spread of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, Pennsylvania has developed a comprehensive network.

This network, which covers all 67 counties, includes trapping mosquitoes, collecting dead birds and monitoring horses, people and sentinel chickens.  

In 2004, the Northumberland County Conservation District took over the administration of the West Nile Virus program.  Our role in the West Nile Virus program is education, trapping and surveillance, and if the surveillance program determines there is a risk, the control of mosquitoes.

How Can I Help?

The best defense against the West Nile Virus is not giving mosquitos a place to breed.

Here are some things you can do around your home:

·   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. Stagnant water in tires are where most mosquitoes breed.

·        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. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.

·        Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a place for mosquitoes to breed.

·        Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding habitats for domestic mosquitoes.

·        Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water that collects on pool covers.

What if there is a positive in my area?

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise.

However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

If West Nile virus is found in your area:

·        Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.

·     Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.

·        Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.

·        Click here for the CDC's latest information on the use of DEET in Insect Repellent Use and Safety.

Click here for a recent article offering suggestions on mosquito repellents.  This article is featured on the website webmd.aol.com, which is not a part of the Northumberland County Conservation District.

Remember, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices and Vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

NEW THIS YEAR: Dead Birds

The West Nile virus infects certain wild birds. The infected birds, especially crows, are known to get sick and die from the infection.  The biggest change this year to the program is the collection of dead birds.  In lieu of reporting dead birds to the health department, please contact your county West Nile program coordinator.  Dead birds are being collected for the purpose of West Nile only.  Not included in this collection are the following: domestic birds and waterfowl, birds that have obvious signs of trauma or have been dead longer than 48 hours.  

Past Years' Surveillance Results

2002       2003       2004       2005

This Years' Surveillance Results

2006

Information for this webpage was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control site and DEP's West Nile Virus site.   To visit these sites for more detailed information, please click on the appropriate link below:

DEP West Nile Virus site

Centers for Disease Control site