2 midstate counties lead the state in West Nile cases

(York) — The peak of the West Nile virus season is arriving, and two midstate counties top the state in the number of cases.

York County has reported 78, while Adams County says 65 mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus.

Tom Smith, West Nile virus program administrator for Penn State’s York County extension office, says his team is constantly collecting samples, and trying to remind people to take precautions before going outside, especially during the evening hours.

But why does York County lead the state in reported cases?

“We have a lot of activity. A lot of construction activity going on, that changes that dynamic of the typical biodiversity in an area,” he says.

Smith says birds carrying the virus are being forced into more urban areas, where West Nile can spread quickly.

Mosquitoes pass the virus along to humans through bites.

No human cases have been reported in the midstate, and just one has been noted in Pennsylvania.

Smith says people should get rid of standing water on their property.

“If it’s a bucket or something, turn it upside down. Tires, store them inside. Other tarps on wood piles are a big concern because they collect water. Anything like that needs to be rearranged so it doesn’t hold water,” he says.

If 10 mosquitoes laid eggs today, they could turn into a quarter million mosquitoes in two weeks under the right conditions.

He says the rain, and warmer temperatures at night, have pushed the West Nile virus count up in York as well.

York County plans to spray for mosquitoes in parts of Manchester Township on Wednesday. Truck-mounted equipment will cover the area at a rate of 1.5 ounces per acre. The process is designed to reduce the number of mosquitores in the area. Spraying is said to have little impact on humans.