WASHINGTON TWP. • The Dauphin County Conservation District has collected its first West Nile Virus-infected mosquito sample of the year.

The infected sample was collected Aug. 9 in Washington Twp. No human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been reported in Dauphin County.

Certain species of mosquitoes carry WNV, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.

The following precautions are recommended:

• Buy products with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) – a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets and plants – for stagnant pools of water in the lawn and garden.

• Remove any standing water in pots, containers, pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, roof gutters and other containers that hold water.

• Make sure screens

SEE VIRUS • PAGE A3