FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2010 

CONTACT:   Matthew Stough
                   Adams County Conservation District
                   West Nile Virus Technician
                   717-334-0636

 Six Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Conewago and Tyrone Townships, Adams County

Mosquito samples collected by the Adams County Conservation District have tested positive for West Nile Virus.  Four samples in Conewago Township were collected on August 31, 2010. Two were in the area of N. Blettner Ave. and Knisley Dr., and two were in the area of Sycamore Ln.  Two samples in Tyrone Township were collected on September 1, 2010 in the area of Walnut Grove Mobile Home Park. 

Spraying to reduce the mosquito populations was conducted in Conewago Township on September 1^st and will be conducted again on Monday September 13^th 2010.  Spraying was conducted in Walnut Grove Mobile Home Park on September 7^th 2010.  Mosquito surveillance will be increased in these areas.  This heightened state of surveillance and control will remain in effect for the remainder of the mosquito season. 

It is important to protect yourself when you are outdoors at dawn or dusk especially in one of these municipalities.  Using a repellant that contains DEET is a good method, as well as wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts.  The clothing should be loose fitting to keep the mosquitoes from being able to bite through them.  This is the time of year when it is most likely to have an infected mosquito seek a blood meal from a human. 

Some ways that homeowners can help control mosquito populations are:
• Identify and eliminate standing water that collects on your property.  Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle that lasts for more than 5 days.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers, including those that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
• Empty water that may accumulate in discarded tires.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to block the drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated, and prevent water from collecting on swimming pool covers.

Because mosquitoes acquire West Nile Virus from infected birds, it is important to report dead crows, blue jays and hawks.  Residents who discover dead birds and would like to submit them for testing should call the Adams County West Nile Coordinator Matthew Stough at (717)334-0636.  When handling dead birds, use rubber gloves.  If you do not have gloves, insert your hand into a plastic bag, grasp the bird carefully and invert the bag over the bird.  Each bird should be placed in a tied plastic bag and then placed inside a second tied bag.  If you are not submitting the bird for testing, place the bagged bird in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water.

For more information about West Nile Virus, and to register for updates via e-mail, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us, or www.adamscounty.us and click on the Conservation District link then Programs.  People can also call 1-877-PA-HEALTH for information