Mercer County reports mosquitoes positive with West Nile Virus, no human cases
GROVE CITY, Pa. - According to a news release from the Mercer County Conservation District, West Nile Virus has been detected in a sample of mosquitoes from within Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
The sample of mosquitoes was collected in the borough of Grove City within Mercer County.
At this time, no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the county.
It is encouraged that businesses and residents of Grove City take extra precautions to reduce the risk of possible infection, as West Nile Virus can spead to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
For example, residents could wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors during dusk, dawn and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Additionally, insect repellent with DEET can be applied as directed to exposed skin and clothing help prevent mosquito bites.
Tips were also shared in the release on how to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods, including:
- Getting rid of standing water, where mosquitos lay their eggs
- Control products, such as mosquito dunks, can be obtained from garden centers
- Empty accumulated water from wheelbarrows, boats, cargo trailers, toys and ceramic pots
- Dispose of any refuse that can hold water, such as tin cans, containers and used tires
Additional monitoring and testing will be done in the area where the positive sample was found, and appropriate control work will be done depending on the number and types of mosquitoes found.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus include a fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting and a rash.
If you believe that you or a family member might be infected, the release encourages you to talk with your healthcare provider.
Although more severe illnesses can be developed at any age, people over 60-years-old are at a higher risk, according to the release.
Additionally, the release states that people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants are also at a higher risk.
