McClure Expects West Nile Virus to Infect County Residents

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure informed County Council on August 16 that he expects that West Nile virus, which has been detected in area mosquitoes, is going to infect humans. To that end, he reports that spraying has begun.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 75% of those infected never know it. About one in five develop flu-like symptoms. A very small number of those with West Nile will develop a severe illness that can include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

West Nile virus also infects livestock and wildlife. There is no known vaccine.

McClure stated that some beekeepers have complained that spraying is ineffective for mosquitoes but kills honeybees and aquatic life. Penn State Extension has assured him that bees forage during the day, and are in their hives when spraying takes place at night. He added that spraying stops at any aquatic buffer.