West Nile Virus Detected in Borough

Lewisburg Borough has been notified by the Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program at the Northumberland County Conservation District that West Nile Virus has been detected in the Lewisburg Borough.

The Mosquito Borne Disease Control team at the district has been keeping a very close eye on the area and they have been treating mosquito breeding areas with larvae present.  They 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.

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

  • Avoid peak mosquito hours by staying indoors dusk to 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 West Nile Virus.

If residents have questions or concerns regarding mosquitoes or this recent positive, please contact:

Madison Erdman
Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Coordinator/DG&LVR/Agland Preservation
Northumberland County Conservation District
228 Houser Road
Sunbury, PA 17801-6064
Office: 570-495-4665 x303
www.nccdpa.org
Mosquito@nccdpa.org

Hi Lewisburg Residents!

Mosquito season is in full swing in Union 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, 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 unmaintained 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 as well.

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. We know this is not always possible, so if you plan to be outside wear long sleeves and/or repellent that has at least 30% DEET to prevent bites.