Updated: Mosquitos In New Areas of Allegheny County Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Mosquito samples collected in Brighton Heights, California-Kirkbride, Elliott, Sheraden, Esplen, and Marshall- Shadeland, areas continue to test positive for West Nile Virus. New date this week for spray.
PITTSBURGH – Today the Allegheny County Health Department announced that mosquito samples collected in in Brighton Heights, California-Kirkbride, Elliott, Sheraden, Esplen, and Marshall- Shadeland have tested positive for West Nile Virus. In response, The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) will treat the identified communities with a pesticide called Zenevex E20. Zenevex E20 is classified by the EPA as a low-risk insecticide as it is not harmful to humans or pets.
Crews will use a truck mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) sprayer on Thursday, July 18, from 8 pm to 11pm to lower the local mosquito population and minimize the risk of human transmission. Treatment will occur in select areas of the areas with new positive cases. In the event of rain, spraying will take place the following evening, July 19.
West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito borne disease in the United States. It is spread to people by bites from infected mosquitoes. Cases of West Nile Virus occur during mosquito season, which starts in the spring and continues through the fall. The last reported human case of West Nile Virus occurred in September of 2023.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not feel sick. Only one in five people infected with the virus develop a fever and other symptoms, such as a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting diarrhea, or rash. Less than one percent of infected people develop a serious illness.
“Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn, explained ACHD Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf. “Residents can deter mosquito bites by using insect repellent on exposed skin or choosing to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite.”
There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus. Residents who believe they, or someone they know, has West Nile Virus should consult a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.
“County residents play an important role when it comes to reducing the area’s mosquito population,” said Baldauf. “Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping, and clogged gutters.”
Residents can report mosquito breeding sites on both private properties and public areas to the ACHD’s Housing and Community Environment Program by completing its online form or calling 412-350-4046.
For more information on West Nile Virus, including frequently asked questions about prevention, symptoms, and transmission, visit the CDC’s West Nile Virus webpage.
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