Community Corner

Week's Rain Heightens West Nile Virus Risk

These tips can help you eliminate the risk of West Nile virus in Macungie, Lower Macungie Township and Lehigh County.

Almost a week of rain in the Macungie area has again heightened the risk for mosquito breeding, many of which carry the

The West Nile Virus outbreak is the worst ever in the United States, even though numerous mosquito sprayings have taken place and recent warnings issued, according to the Centers For Disease Control.

Lehigh County, Macungie and Lower Macungie Towship have not been spared. West Nile Virus .

Find out what's happening in Lower Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since June 26, four mosquitoes have been found with West Nile Virus in Lower Macungie Township, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Mosquitoes have also tested positive for West Nile in neighboring, Berks, Bucks and Schuylkill counties and Northampton counties.

The Lehigh County West Nile Program conducted an ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile Virus on Tuesday, Aug. 14 in Whitehall and South Whitehall Townships and Wednesday, Aug. 15 in Upper Macungie and Lower Macungie Townships.

Find out what's happening in Lower Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You can help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas on your property by doing the following:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.

• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.

• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.

• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.

• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.

• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.

• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

For more information about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.



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