West Nile Virus Sickens Montco Man

Pennsylvania has recorded its first probable human cases of the West Nile Virus for 2013, according to the State Department of Health.

The virus was found in patients in York and Montgomery counties, as well as in mosquitoes in 36 of the state's 67 counties.

One of the patients, the man in Montgomery County, was hospitalized the department said. The York County man was not hospitalized. State officials did not release the names, ages or other details about the men.

“Our first positive human case of West Nile Virus serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention and education,” Secretary of Health Michael Wolf said in a news release. “There are a few simple steps we can all take to help prevent the spread of this virus among our families and in our communities.” 

Bucks County has been designed as a "hot zone" for West Nile Virus this summer and crews have sprayed to knock down the mosquito population in several communities.

The DEP lists some ways to reduce your risk for West Nile:

• Eliminate all standing water. It could collect in wheelbarrows, wading pools or old tires. Turn them over or put them away.
• Clean out roof gutters. 
• If you have an ornamental pond or pool, aerate it, or stock it with fish.
• Make sure screens are tight and in good condition.
• Limit exposure at peak mosquito times, which are dawn and dusk.
• Use a repellent.