Jack's Glass

Prevent West Nile Virus - Bring your Screens to Jack's Glass for Repair

A slew of 71 mosquito samples recently tested positive for West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced on Wednesday.

It's the largest sample announced yet this year.

There were five samples in Bucks County, three in Chester County, four in Delaware County, and eight in Montgomery County that tested positive.

Some simple ways to avoid getting bitten:

• • • • • • Bring your window screens to Jack's Glass at 424 N. Madison St in allentown to repair them

            Use a bug spray

            Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors

            Avoid places with standing water

  Symptoms of West Nile Virus according to the Mayo Clinic:

  • • • Mild infection signs and symptoms

        About 20 percent of people develop a mild infection called West Nile fever. Common signs and symptoms of West Nile fever include:

        • • Fever

            Headache

            Body aches

            Fatigue

            Back pain

            Skin rash (occasionally)

            Swollen lymph glands (occasionally)

            Eye pain (occasionally)

        Serious infection signs and symptoms

        In less than 1 percent of infected people, the virus causes a serious neurological infection. Such infection may include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or of both the brain and surrounding membranes (meningoencephalitis). Serious infection may also include infection and inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), inflammation of the spinal cord (West Nile poliomyelitis) and acute flaccid paralysis - a sudden weakness in your arms, legs or breathing muscles. Signs and symptoms of these diseases include:

        • • High fever

            Severe headache

            Stiff neck

            Disorientation or confusion

            Stupor or coma

            Tremors or muscle jerking

            Lack of coordination

            Convulsions

            Pain

            Partial paralysis or sudden muscle weakness

        Signs and symptoms of West Nile fever usually last a few days, but signs and symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis can linger for weeks, and certain neurological effects, such as muscle weakness, may be permanent.