The first case of West Nile virus in a human, in the Pittsburgh area has been detected.
The Allegheny County Health Department says a person living in Plum Borough tested positive for the virus.
The Health Department says the person started experiencing symptoms of fiver, malaise, diarrhea and anorexia in mid-July.
Additional surveillance was set up in the area last week.
Most people infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms, with the Health Department saying only one in five people infected will develop symptoms.
“Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn,” said Allegheny County Health Department Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf. “To deter mosquito bites, we encourage people to use insect repellent on exposed skin or to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite.”
You can help reduce mosquito breeding by getting rid of any stagnant water on your property.
The last case of West Nile in a human was detected in our area in September 2024.