West Nile Virus Threat Emerges In Pittsburgh Area

PITTSBURGH, PA —Six areas in the Pittsburgh metro area tested positive for the West Nile Virus last week after the Allegheny County Health Department collected mosquitoes in those areas.

Positive communities included Wilkinsburg, Schenley Park, Mt. Washington, Beltzhoover, Mt. Oliver, and Hazelwood.

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 spring and continues through fall. The last reported human case of West Nile Virus occurred about one year ago.

“Generally,the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn,” explained Allegheny County Health Department Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf said in a statement.

"Residents can prevent 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.”

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.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus. Residents who believe they, or someone they know, have West Nile Virus should consult a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.“C