Cheltenham Township shared today on social media that the Montgomery County Health Department had notified the township that one mosquito collected within the township in July was found to be positive for the West Nile Virus.

The township stressed that it is not a major concern and offered a few suggestions on how to reduce the mosquito population on your property.

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Fill tree holes to prevent them from filling with water.

The township also shared that you can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.