Mosquitoes found in Point Breeze tested positive for the West Nile Virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms after mosquito bites.
The Allegheny County Health Department said Monday that mosquitoes collected on May 27 were tested and flagged as positive for West Nile by the county’s Vector Control Program.
Allegheny County’s Vector Control Program focuses on tracking, preventing, and managing disease-carrying insects. Surveillance efforts involve staff trapping mosquitoes to monitor the spread of West Nile Virus and other viruses that can infect people and animals.
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 generally occur from spring through fall.
“Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn,” said Nicholas Baldauf, vector control specialist. “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.”
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites such as unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping and clogged gutters, Baldauf said.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not feel sick, according to the county health department.
One in five people infected with the virus develop a fever and other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. Less than 1% of infected people develop serious illnesses.
There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus.
The health department said county residents who believe they may have the virus should consult a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.