Bucks County ranks among the top in state for mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
As of this week, 126 mosquitoes in Bucks County have tested positive for the virus this year.
The number places it behind only Allegheny, Lehigh, Philadelphia, and York counties. Philadelphia reported the highest number, with 325 mosquitoes testing positive, according to the data.
Bucks County also reported two of the 10 human cases of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania this year.
The county saw a similar pattern last year with 242 positive mosquitoes and one human case reported.
From 2003 to 2023, Bucks County has shown a high prevalence of human cases, particularly in Lower Bucks County, the most densely populated part of the county.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been 174 cases across 30 states as of August 13.
West Nile virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause symptoms ranging from fever and headache to more severe conditions such as encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis. However, most people infected with the virus experience mild, flu-like symptoms lasting a few days without long-term health effects.
There are no vaccines for the virus.
Some bird species, including robins, crows, and jays, are particularly susceptible to the virus and can die from the infection.
The Bucks County Department of Health’s Disease Vector Control Program combats the spread of the virus through mosquito control measures, including spraying and working with property owners to prevent infestations.
Under county ordinance, health officials have the authority to take legal action against property owners who don’t comply. County officials also have the authority to file legal actions and even summary and misdemeanor charges for property owners who don’t allow the health department to do their work.
State and county officials monitor and test dead birds and mosquitoes for the virus as part of its ongoing surveillance.
Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, treating clothing and gear, and taking measures to control mosquito populations both indoors and outdoors, according to the CDC.
“The best parts of summer aren’t itchy bites and being sick, so we want people to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Executive Deputy Secretary Jessica Shirley. “It doesn’t take much to fight the bite and protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.
The emergence of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania was first reported in 2000 and led to state and local authorities to beginning programs to slow the virus’s spread.
Last year, state officials detected two mosquitoes in Bucks County with Jamestown Canyon Virus, another mosquito-borne illness that can cause serious brain inflammation. No cases have been reported this year.
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