West Nile Virus has recently been detected in mosquito populations in Mercer County.

According to the Mercer County Conservation District, the virus has been detected in mosquitos collected from the Borough of Mercer.

All businesses and residents located in Mercer Borough are asked to take extra precautions including applying insect repellant and wearing long sleeve shirts and pants when outside during dusk and dawn.

Businesses and residents in the area are also asked to eliminate standing water such as birdbaths, discarded tires or any other containers capable of retaining standing water in order to reduce mosquito breeding habitats.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, West Nile Virus symptoms can include blindness ,disorientation, coma, convulsions, headache, high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, numbness, paralysis, stupor, and tremors.

These symptoms may last for several weeks, and the neurological effects may be permanent.