York County's first human case of West Nile virus confirmed The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported the first human ...
The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported the first human case of West Nile virus in York County, according to a news release.
No other information about the individual was provided.
It's the second patient to receive a West Nile virus diagnosis in the state this year; the other one was in Allegheny County a couple weeks ago.
Heavy rains and receding floodwaters over the past couple weeks have increased the urgency this year. That stretch of bad weather came within a couple weeks after Pennsylvania's state Legislature approved an $140,000 increase to support the Department of Environmental Protection's West Nile Virus and Zika Virus control program.
READ MORE: Mosquito boom could follow flood conditions
Certain species of mosquitoes carry West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile enc ephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all residents of areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
The following precautions are recommended:
- Buy products with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)--a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets and plants--for stagnant pools of water in the lawn and garden.
- Remove any standing water in pots, containers, pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, roof gutters and other containers that hold water.
- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
- Reduce out door exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
