What's happening with West Nile Virus locally?

The odds of a mosquito-borne West Nile Virus outbreak in York County remains relatively low, the county commissioners were told at their weekly meeting on Wednesday.

But, Thomas L. Smith, the West Nile Virus program administrator for the Penn State Extension, said data shows there has been a "drastic increase" locally of the type of mosquito that carries the virus.

York County's first human West Nile case was reported this week.

Smith said that county residents "need to be vigilant" in ensuring there is no standing water in their areas.

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Smith said mosquitoes hatch in water and that it takes only seven days for the life cycle to go from egg to adult.

Smith told President Commissioner Susan Byrnes that her bird bath at home is not a health problem as long as she changes the water at least once every seven days to interrupt the mosquitoes' life cycle.

A West Nile Virus infection typically presents itself as "mild flu-like symptoms," Smith said.

He explained that the health risk is greater for people over age 50 and under age 12.

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At its worst, West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis -- inflammation of the brain, meningitis -- inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal chord, or death.

Byrnes said Smith was invited to the weekly meeting to give an update on the virus.

"We wanted you to be aware of this," she told the audience, "not to frighten you."