The West Nile Virus Program is a state funded effort to monitor species and populations of mosquitoes and to take care of control efforts if they become necessary. There is a surveillance program that runs from early April to late October. Samples collected from traps and are sent to Harrisburg twice a week for identification and virus detection.

Also some information collected locally is sent to Harrisburg via electronic file and E-mail or entered directly into the system through the web page.

WNV can best be tracked by the presence of dead Crows or Blue Jays. Tracking mosquito populations by trapping/sampling may reveal a positive pool of mosquitoes occasionally, but the best method to find positive pools is by the presence of WNV infected bird. When an infected bird is found we then know to concentrate our trapping efforts in that area. Many birds are susceptible to wnv. The state Health Department would like a phone report on all dead birds. (except those that have been obviously dead for a while or have obvious externally induced injuries). If the bird happens to be a crow or blue jay the state would like to have the bird collected and taken to the nearest state health office. The number to call is 1-877 PAHEALTH.

The best way to help the cause is by taking care of your own house and yard. It is as simple as eliminating standing water from around your house and yard. Eliminating the water takes away the environment the larva need to live and grow in. Things such as birdbaths, wading pools, old buckets, toys, tarps, and especially roof gutters all hold water, enough water to keep mosquito alive and well.