West Nile Virus found in Lawrence County mosquitoes

NEW CASTLE, Pa. - Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus have been found in Lawrence County.
The Lawrence County Conservation District reported that two West Nile Virus positives were detected in the first two weeks of July through Department of Environmental Protection laboratory testing of Adult Mosquito Samples collected by the district’s West Nile Program.
The samples were collected in the Edinburgh area of Mahoning Township and around Brittain Lake of New Wilmington,
Experts want people to know that those sampling locations are representative of the Lawrence County study area, and positives in one or both locations or others, indicate that West Nile Virus is present in Lawrence County.

Everyone in the county is advised to take adequate precautions to protect themselves.
West Nile virus is mainly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Most people who get West Nile virus infection do not feel sick, according to the CDC. For people who do feel sick, symptoms can include fever, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and a rash. Symptoms usually last from a few days to a few weeks.
Some people can have more serious diseases. Adults over 60 years old or people with certain medical conditions are more likely to get seriously ill. Symptoms of serious West Nile virus disease include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
There are no vaccines or medicines that prevent West Nile virus. People can protect themselves against West Nile virus infection by preventing mosquito bites.
Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
Insect Repellent Tips for Babies and Children
- Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- When using insect repellent on your child:
- Always follow label instructions.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
- Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
- Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply it to a child’s face.
- If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants