PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia has reported its first four human cases of West Nile virus this year, and the Department of Public Health is reminding residents to do their part to keep the spread down.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness, and while most won’t even know they’re infected, 1 in 5 will develop fever or flu-like symptoms, and for 1 in 150, it could be fatal. To help combat the spread, Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health began its mosquito prevention efforts in May.
“We go around throughout the city, throughout the summer, putting dunks out, helping residents learn the best way to avoid mosquitoes, and then when we do see large mosquito populations or places where there’s West Nile, we’ll go out and actually do a spray,” said James Garrow, a spokesperson for the health department.
Garrow said even with those efforts, residents still need to look out for standing water on their properties or in their neighborhoods, which fast becomes a hotbed for mosquito breeding.
“It really only takes a very, very little bit of water for mosquitoes to start breeding… anything from a soda bottle cap to a pool, kids' toys, baby pools, tires is another big one.”
Another key prevention measure is to keep mosquito spray handy and apply it liberally before heading out.
Residents can also report large mosquito populations to the department’s mosquito complaint hotline at 215-685-9000.
Two human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Allegheny County.
