Two more mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus have been detected in Mercer County, adding to a climbing count of infected insects in recent weeks.

The first cases were reported in Sharon back in July, followed by more reports of more infected mosquitoes in the same location at the beginning of September. Just days after that report, more infected mosquitoes were detected in Hermitage.

In total, nine cases have been detected by Mercer County officials, including four in Sharon, two in Hermitage, one in Hempfield Township, and one in Mercer Borough. 

While no cases in humans have been recorded so far this year in Mercer County, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is calling risk in the state of Pennsylvania "very high."

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mercer County has recorded 6 cases of the virus between 1999 and 2022. Nationwide, 56,569 cases were recorded in humans. Of those cases, 25,769 resulted in hospitalizations and 2,773 people died. 

21 News spoke with Zoe Heckathorn, Vector Management Coordinator with the Mercer County Conservation District. She tells us that August is considered peak season for mosquito breeding, and that mosquito populations typically die off as colder weather rolls into the region.

"Pretty soon here we're supposed to get a lot colder, you know, into the forties," Heckathorn said. "Most mosquitoes don't survive that."

She also stressed that, while cases were rising and this year has found more positive mosquitoes than last year, that people shouldn't be particularly concerned and the worst is just about over. 

"We're pretty much at the end of peak season," she said, noting that wet weather in late august led to a particularly active breeding season and high mosquito populations that exacerbated the issue.

CDC Data shows that West Nile Virus cases in humans typically spike in August and September before falling off in the winter months. From 1999 to 2022, CDC data shows that nearly three quarters of all West Nile Virus cases in humans are contracted in August and September.

Heckathorn also noted that the West Nile Virus testing program in Mercer County is only in it's second year, so residents should stay vigilant of the virus even when their agency isn't reporting any cases.

"West Nile is always here, it's just a matter of whether we detect them in our tests."

While Heckathorn says the county is doing what they can to prevent mosquito breeding and limit exposure to the virus, she also urges residents across western PA to take their own measures to prevent transmission of the virus and lower mosquito populations.

Residents can start by using insect repellant and wearing long shirts and pants when outdoors during dusk and dawn.

To reduce mosquito populations, the conservation district says residents and businesses should eliminate areas where standing water can accumulate and remain stagnant, such as discarded tires, bird baths, and any other containers which can accumulate water.