West Nile virus shows up earlier in York County, Pa.

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A mosquito sample in York County has tested positive for the West Nile virus for the first time this season.

The sample was collected on May 17 in Conewago Township.

There is concern about more cases turning up, as the positive was detected about two months earlier than last year.

To combat the virus, more traps are being set up across the county. Trapped mosquitos will be analyzed for signs of the virus.

It's hard to predict what the tests will reveal, but there are worries about a positive so early in the season.

"When we see an early positive, that means the conditions are ripe for more early positives and maybe a more significant season than what we had last year," said Lee Graybill, program administrator for York County Mosquito Disease Control.

Last year, York County had more West Nile cases in mosquitos than any other county in Pennsylvania, but there were no human cases.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provided the following information about the virus:

West Nile virus is a disease that is typically spread by a mosquito. The virus was first detected in North America in 1999 and found in Pennsylvania in 2000.

West Nile fever is a case of mild disease in people and causes flu-like symptoms. It typically lasts only a few days and doesn't appear to cause any long-term health effects.

More severe diseases due to a person being infected can be West Nile encephalitis, West Nile meningitis or West Nile meningoencephalitis. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord, and meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of both the brain and the membrane surrounding it.

Mosquitos breed in standing water, so the DEP has these suggestions:

If West Nile virus is found in your area, it's a good idea to wear shoes, socks long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitos are most active – at dusk and dawn.

Consider the use of mosquito repellant when outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.