Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure informed county council Aug. 16 that he expects West Nile virus, which has been detected in area mosquitoes, will infect county residents. To that end, he reports that spraying has begun.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 75 percent of those infected never know it. About one in five develop flu-like symptoms. A very small number of those with West Nile will develop a severe illness that can include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). People over the age of 60 are at higher risk.

The local website Saucon Source reports that four persons have been infected statewide so far this year. None is from Northampton or Lehigh County

West Nile virus also infects livestock and wildlife. There is no known vaccine.

McClure said some beekeepers have complained that spraying is ineffective for mosquitoes but kills honeybees and aquatic life.

Penn State Extension personnel have assured him that bees forage during the day, and are in their hives when spraying takes place at night. He added that spraying stops at any aquatic buffer.