9 Pa. residents confirmed with West Nile virus: Here’s how to protect yourself

The current West Nile virus risk in the state is “very high,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, with mosquitoes testing positive for the disease in all but 10 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

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The threat of West Nile virus from mosquitos continues to be a serious issue this summer in Pennsylvania. 

The current risk of being infected with West Nile in the state is “very high,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s “Skeeter Meter,” with mosquitoes testing positive for the disease in all but 10 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. 

Nine cases of West Nile have been confirmed in humans in seven counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Fayette, Lancaster, Lawrence, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill.

Three of those confirmed cases have been reported in Lancaster County. 

On Monday, the Allegheny County Health Department announced it had identified the first human case of West Nile virus this year. The ACHD said the Plum Borough resident began experiencing symptoms in mid-July, including fever, malaise, diarrhea, and anorexia. They are currently recovering at home 

The Bucks resident infected with West Nile became critically ill and was hospitalized, according to the Allentown Morning Call.

Counties across the state are stepping up mosquito surveillance and control measures, in coordination with the state departments of health, environmental protection, and agriculture. You can find out when and where your county is spraying for mosquitoes here, and residents can submit mosquito complaints to the state DEP using this online form.  

Children 5 or younger and adults 65 and older are most at risk for getting sick from West Nile, according to health officials.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 70 and 80 percent of people who become infected with the virus do not develop symptoms and are not impacted. Approximately 20 percent of those infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.   

Most people with symptoms can recover on their own. Less than one percent of people will develop severe symptoms of neurologic illness caused by inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Anyone who believes they or someone they know has West Nile virus should consult a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.   

Officials stress that individuals should do all they can to avoid getting bitten, which means taking steps like using repellent, wearing clothing with long sleeves and long pants, and staying indoors when the mosquitoes are most active, like dusk and dawn. 

It’s also important to take precautions around your property. Dumping standing water frequently from buckets, bird baths, ornamental ponds, flowerpots, tarps, toys, etc., is key to preventing mosquito breeding grounds.