SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — West Nile virus has been detected in another mosquito sample in Scranton, marking the sixth detection announced by Lackawanna County this summer.
The latest positive sample was collected Aug. 17 near Palm Street and Crown Avenue in Scranton. Lackawanna County was notified of the positive test results on Aug. 21.
The latest finding follows a positive mosquito sample collected Aug. 10 at McDade Park. At that time, county officials said it represented the fifth detection of West Nile virus in the community this summer.
Earlier in August, another positive sample was collected at McDade Park, which the county identified as its fourth detection of the summer.
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 continue to monitor mosquito activity.
Officials recommend residents reduce mosquito breeding areas by removing standing water around their homes. Water in birdbaths should be changed weekly, and swimming pools should be kept clean and properly chlorinated.
Pennsylvania health officials have warned that West Nile virus is circulating in the state and that the risk of human infection remains elevated during the mosquito season.
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people do not develop symptoms, although the virus can cause serious neurological illness in a small percentage of cases.