County mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

Five townships produce first local evidence of virus in 2013, says Health Dept. A Southern House Mosquito, one of a number of breeds of mosquitos known to carry the West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes trapped in Birmingham Township have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), the Chester County Health Department reported Thursday. Tests on mosquitoes collected in Birmingham, Schuylkill, Thornbury,...

County working to help residents beat heat

Shelters will double as cooling stations, transportation for seniors will increase Fans for seniors who qualify will be available through the Chester County Office of Aging Services. Call 610-344-6350 for information. In response to the excessive heat warning issued Monday by the National Weather Service – in effect through 8 p.m. on Wednesday – the Chester County Health Department and the...

County finally gets new Health Dept. head

Ga. woman with local ties will replace director who resigned in Dec. By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Jeanne Casner will start Aug. 26 as director of the Chester County Health Department, the commissioners said Thursday. After months of searching, Chester County has a new director for its acclaimed Health Department, the county commissioners said Thursday. At their regular...

Tips to avoid ticks, mosquitos, summer woes

County Health Department urges residents to take safety precautions The Chester County Health Department recommends create a woodchip or mulch barrier between wooded areas and yards to reduce the risk of ticks. With summer in full swing, the Chester County Health Department wants to remind residents to take precautions inside and outside the home to avoid injuries and insect-borne diseases. West...

Federal test: County well-prepared for disaster

For third consecutive year, it earned perfect score on readiness assessment By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times For the third year in a row, Chester County received a perfect score in emergency readiness from federal evaluators. For the third consecutive year, Chester County has received a perfect score of 100 on the 2013 Federal Technical Assistance Review (TAR), an annual assessment...

Warmer weather brings West Nile threat

County’s Health Department urges precautions to avoid breeding, bites This Pro-Mist electric ULV sprayer is one of the tools used by the state to control adult mosquitoes that could spread West Nile virus. The Chester County Health Department reminds Chester residents that along with warmer weather comes mosquito season and the threat of West Nile virus, which first appeared in Pennsylvania...

Need for infant vaccines to get national spotlight

County to team up with Kennett Area YMCA to raise awareness National Infant Immunization Week will be observed from April 20-27. Nearly 12,000 babies born each day in the U.S. will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Infant Immunization Week – April 20-27 – is an initiative designed to raise...

Seeking to inject good health into community

Free vaccines will be available to needy in Kennett Square The Chester County Health Department will provide free vaccines to uninsured and underinsured Kennett Square residents one day a month through September. Free vaccines will be available in Kennett Square to uninsured or underinsured adults through the Chester County Health Department on select dates. The vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis...

County to observe National Public Health Week

Variety of public events will provide Rx for community well-being National Public Health Week is designed to help raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Even before a national survey last week deemed Chester County the healthiest county in the state for the second time, its Health Department had planned numerous events to celebrate National Public Health Week starting...

For second time, county gets top bill of health

National study puts Chesco at No. 1 in state rankings By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left), Terence Farrell, and Ryan Costello are applauding a new study that ranked county as “healthiest” in Pennsylvania. Less than two weeks before the county prepares to celebrate National Public Health Week starting on April 1, it has received...