Health & Fitness

Human West Nile Virus Case Identified In Delaware County

Mosquitoes are still active into the fall, and residents should continue to take preventative precautions through the fall, officials said.

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DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A human case of West Nile Virus has been identified in Delaware County, the Delaware County Health Department said Tuesday.

Authorities did not say where the human case was identified.

Human West Nile virus cases are not uncommon and are typically identified in Delaware County in most years.

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Mosquito bites and West Nile virus detections in mosquito pools are commonly found at this point in the mosquito season. And, mosquitoes are still active into the fall, and residents should continue to take preventative precautions through the fall.

>>>RELATED: Anti-Mosquito Spraying Planned In Delaware County Tuesday<<<

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Health authorities have found more than three dozen mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile Virus so far this year:

There are several ways the Delaware County Health Department works to control mosquito populations in the county. However, the public’s help is important.

"Mosquito prevention techniques might only take a few minutes, but they have big impacts when it comes to protecting your family and neighbors,"Delaware County Health Department Director Lora Siegmann Werner said. "Make daily inspections for standing water sources on your property a part of your family’s routine – these simple actions make a noticeable difference!"

Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5
people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Most people who develop symptoms of West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

About one in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

Since 2008, the annual number of human West Nile virus cases among Delaware County residents has fluctuated between zero and seven cases, with peak seasons in 2012, 2018, and 2021.

Cases in the past five years:

  • 2020 — 0
  • 2021 — 4
  • 2022 — 1
  • 2023 — 2
  • 2024 — 2

The most effective way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus is to keep mosquitoes from breeding on your property. Residents are encouraged to remember the "Three Ds:"

  • DRAIN – Anything that can hold water and breed mosquitoes, from soda bottle caps to discarded tires. Check your property for these sources of standing water and dump them out. At least once or twice a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, cans, wheelbarrows, boats, cargo trailers, toys, and any other items outside your home. Empty and store wading pools for kids on their side, as well as any other sources of standing water outside your home.
  • DRESS – Wear clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to protect against bug bites. You can further protect yourself by tucking your pants into your boots. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants is a great way to prevent not only mosquito bites but tick bites as well.
  • DEFEND – Wear insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus on exposed skin when outdoors. Another effective repellent is Permethrin. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the labels when using these repellents.

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