Six cases of west nile virus reported in Lancaster county

Posted by: Kennedy Stowater

kstowater@klkntv.com

The victims were anywhere from 28 to 64-years-old. Two of them had to be hospitalized.

"We did get our first positive pool back in June, so that sort of gives you a sense of when we’re first seeing the virus in the mosquito population."

Water quality supervisor Chris Schroeder says that now until the middle of September is the greatest risk to contract the virus,
so you still need to make sure you’re protected.
 
"The best thing to do is wear long sleeve shirts, pants, wear mosquito repellent that has deet in it or other EPA approved bug repellents," Chris Schroeder said.
 
Mosquitoes can be almost anywhere, but they’re typically around wooded areas and areas that have stagnant bodies of water.
So, Schroeder says to clean up any water around your house everyday if you can.
 
"Empty flower pots, empty bird baths, empty pet bowls, try to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed," he said.
 
Although 80 percent of individuals who get infected with the virus will have no symptoms, 20 percent could experience joint pain, headaches, and a rash.
 
"For most people that will resolve itself, however they may continue to have fatigue and weakness that last several weeks to months," Tim Timmons, communicable disease program supervisor said, "stiff neck, confusion, disorientation, any of those symptoms, an individual should seek medical care right away."
 
There have been no deaths in Lancaster county due to west nile virus.
Schroeder says it’s also best to avoid dusk until midnight because that is when mosquitoes are most active.