Some mosquitoes in Montgomery County had been identified as carrying The West Nile Virus, and on August 19th the County Health Dept. took routine samples of mosquitoes in our area of Collegeville (see the attached map) and analyzed them on August 27th. They found a mosquito infected with the West Nile Virus on Heritage Drive (the townhouse development next to Collegeville Park at 3rd and Park Ave.) The County then sprayed for mosquitoes in our area on August 28th to reduce their populations.
It is always a good idea to use mosquito repellent when outside and to wear protective clothing when walking in wooded areas. According to the CDC website, most people infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms, but one in five do develop a fever and some symptoms. And for the unfortunate less than 1% of those affected, individuals can develop serious and possibly fatal symptoms. You can read more about it on the CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/