West Nile Virus detected in Lewisburg Borough

Mosquito season is in full swing Northumberland County ! The peak season typically runs from May through October. What does that mean for you? Unfortunately, it means the risk for mosquito bites and mosquito-borne pathogens is higher. Recently in Lewisburg Borough, adult mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Now that West Nile virus activity has been found in the borough, here are a few recommendations to limit the spread. If you notice mosquitoes in your backyard check the area for standing water, in particular unkept pools, tires, flowerpot saucers, bird baths, clogged gutters/down spouting, drainage ditches, and other containers. If you notice these habitats around your property it is
important to drain or dump them as mosquitoes can go through their entire life cycle in as little as four days. Not only could this be a risk to you, but your community too.

Protecting yourself is also important. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn and limiting your activity during this time can limit your exposure to mosquito bites. Knowing that is not always possible if you plan to be outside wear long sleeves and/or repellent that has at least 30% DEET to prevent bites.

The Mosquito Borne Disease Control team at the district is keeping a very close eye on the area and we have been treating mosquito breeding areas with larvae present. We have since set multiple adult mosquito traps to get a better idea of virus activity in the area, as well as adult mosquito populations. Residents may find doorhangers on their doors that outline ways that they can reduce breeding habitat in their own yards as well as other ways to protect themselves; these doorhangers have the districts information on them if they have any further questions. Please find attached a newsletter that can be posted to a community social media page or any other community outreach to help inform residence.

Even though there is a low risk of disease transmission, we are still encouraging residents to:

• Avoid peak mosquito hours by staying indoors.
• Dusk-dawn
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and avoid open-toed shoes if possible.
• A mosquito will bite any exposed skin.
• Apply bug spray with at least 30% DEET.
• Remove any standing water from your property.
• Any water standing for more than 4 days can breed mosquitoes that can carry WNV.

If you or any residents have questions or concerns regarding mosquitoes or this recent positive, please give them our contact information and feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Northumberland County Conservation District
228 Houser Road
Sunbury, PA 17801-6064
office: 570-495-4665 x301