PA's Reports 1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus For 2020

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania has confirmed its first case of West Nile Virus in a human this year, officials announced. The positive individual is a resident of Potter County in the north-central part of the state.

While West Nile Virus is not common, it is present in Pennsylvania, with 130 residents testing positive in 2018.

Thus far in 2020, the Department of Health has tested eight mosquito samples that were positive, in five different counties. That's out of more than 2,000 collected. Over the last few years, this number of positive samples has increased significantly into August as mosquito activity intensifies.

State officials urged the public to take basic steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes and the viruses they carry, including West Nile.

“While we encourage Pennsylvanians to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also want them to take proper precautions from mosquitoes while outside,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

While mosquitoes can bite at any time, the mosquitoes that carry West Nile are most active at dusk and dawn, officials said. The state recommends using an insect repellent containing DEET, covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing, and keeping window and door screens firmly shut.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to monitor mosquito activity and West Nile Virus in the state, and said they will take measures such as spraying to reduce the population if need be.

Because mosquitoes breed in standing water, efforts should be made to clear areas where this can occur, like roof gutters, birdbaths, empty ceramic pots, discarded tires, and other objects.