A mosquito sample collected by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection staff on Wednesday in York Township has tested positive for West Nile virus by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. For 2012, this is the first mosquito collection to test positive for West Nile Virus in York County.

This is the earliest detection of West Nile in York County, compared to all previous years of surveillance. Additional surveillance and mosquito trapping in York Township is being performed by Penn State Cooperative Extension staff and PA DEP staff.

Five counties in Pennsylvania have now collected mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile. There have been human cases of West Nile Virus every year in York County since 2002.

For more information about reducing mosquitoes in York County call the Penn State Cooperative Extension - York County West Nile Program office at (717) 840-2375. For information about West Nile virus symptoms in humans, contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, or visit www.westnile.state.pa.us