SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito sample collected at McDade Park in Scranton, marking the fifth detection of the virus in Lackawanna County this summer.
County officials said the mosquito sample was collected Aug. 10, with the county receiving confirmation of the positive test results on Friday, Aug. 14.
The area was treated for nuisance mosquitoes Friday morning.
Despite the repeated detections, officials said no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Lackawanna County at this time.
Lackawanna County and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection are continuing to monitor the situation.
Residents are being encouraged to take precautions outdoors and reduce potential mosquito breeding areas around their homes.
Officials recommend eliminating standing water from properties and changing water in birdbaths at least once a week. Swimming pools should also be kept clean and properly chlorinated.
Additional information about West Nile virus and Pennsylvania’s West Nile Virus Control Program is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.