
A mosquito pool in the lower part of York County tested positive for West Nile Virus, county officials reported.
“York County Mosquito Control routinely samples mosquitoes collected throughout the county and tests for mosquito-borne illnesses,” according to a news release from the county. “One mosquito pool recently collected in the lower portion of York County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.”
According to the news release, York County Mosquito Control is not aware of any reported cases in humans or animals at this time and the county will continue spraying for mosquitoes and testing for disease.
“York County Mosquito Control has a comprehensive treatment plan of mosquito spraying from late spring to early fall when mosquitoes are most active,” said county spokeswoman Gail Whittaker.
Ground spraying is scheduled for the following areas Saturday between 1 a.m. – 4 a.m.:
Coventry Drive, Byrd Lane, Cain Terrace, Churchill Estates, Commonwealth Green, Coventry, Davis Forge, Faison Green, Ferguson Glade, Finch Terrace, Gables Of York, Hawks Landing, Justinian Grove, Lilburne Meadow, Patriot Village, Presson Arbor, Shady Banks, Shady Banks Farm, Sherwood Forest, Smithy Glen, Tabb Lakes, The Greenlands, Villas On Shady Banks, Whispering Winds, York Manor, York Meadows, Yorkshire Downs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a bird that carries the virus. West Nile doesn’t spread from person to person or directly from birds to humans. However, some cases have resulted from blood transfusion and organ transplants, and there has been one case of an infected mother transmitting the virus to her unborn child.
The virus usually causes a mild illness – so mild some people aren’t even aware they’re infected – but may also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or polio-like paralysis.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends the following tips to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- If possible, limit outdoor exposure between dusk and dawn.
- Check window and door screens to ensure that mosquitoes cannot enter your home.
- Use insect repellants with DEET according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.
- Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
- Clean out birdbaths, wading pools and swimming pools.
- Clean roof gutters and downspout screens.
For more information about the virus: