CRESSONA - The West Nile virus was detected in a mosquito Tuesday in Cressona, according to the state's West Nile virus website.
This marks the second time this year the virus was detected in Schuylkill County. A mosquito also tested positive in Mahanoy Township on June 19. Amanda Witman, spokeswoman with the state Department of Environmental Protection, said in an email: "We will begin extra surveillance in this area on Monday. Pending the results of this survey, we may conduct additional control efforts. As always, if we choose to move forward with additional adult control, we will notify the public through our state West Nile website, www.westnile.state.pa.us."
No human cases of the virus have been detected in Schuylkill County this year. To date, 31 counties in addition to Schuylkill had mosquitoes test positive for the virus, according to the state.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can result in encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. No human cases of West Nile virus have been detected in Schuylkill County since 2003.
Last year, the virus was found in mosquitoes in Landingville and Tamaqua boroughs and Pine Grove, West Mahanoy and Tremont townships.
This year, the virus hit the radar screen May 3 in Exeter Township, Berks County, the earliest the virus was detected since testing started in 2000, according to the state Department of Health.
Last year, six human cases of the virus were discovered and 59 counties tested positive for the virus, which is spread mostly by the bite of an infected mosquito after it feeds on a bird infected with the virus.
Nationally, there were 712 cases confirmed in 2011. Of those, 43 people died, according to the Centers For Disease Control.
Residents can reduce the risk of the virus by eliminating standing water on their property, wearing light clothing and using repellent.
