The Allegheny County Health Department says recent testing shows more mosquito samples are positive for West Nile Virus.
In response, there will be spraying this week in Point Breeze, Regent Square, Edgewood, Wilkinsburg, East Hills, Homewood, and Highland Park.
Spraying is scheduled in those areas on Wednesday night between 8 and 11 p.m.
The Health Department say the insecticide is not harmful to humans or pets.
Most people infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms, with the Health Department saying only one in five people infected will develop symptoms.
In addition to fever, other symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than one percent of infected people develops serious illness.
“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.
And, while no cases have been identified in Allegheny County, a mosquito tested in Westmoreland County has been found to have Jamestown Canyon Virus.
Jamestown Canyon is spread to people through mosquitoes as well.
That virus can cause similar symptoms to West Nile, including fever, headache and fatigue.
It can also cause more serious issues including inflammation of the brain.
The PA Department of Environmental Protection added Jamestown Canyon to its monitoring program in 2024.