Centre County announces 4th positive West Nile Virus sample of the season
Centre County has collected its fourth positive sample of the West Nile Virus so far this season, although there is not believed to be any increased risk as a result, county officials announced Friday morning.
The sample came from the State College borough, its second such mosquito sample, per the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Vector Management and the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office.
No human cases of the virus have been reported in Centre County this season.
“There is no elevated risk level or risk-level change associated with this finding,” a statement from the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program read, “but this should serve as a reminder to use caution for the remainder of the summer/early (fall) while outdoors.”
West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, coma, etc. About 4 in 5 people infected with the virus don’t develop symptoms.
Severe illness can occur in people of any age, but those 60 years old and older are at greater risk, according to the CDC.
Mosquito surveillance, sampling and larval control were performed as necessary though Sunday. The CDC recommends preventing bites by using EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET or Picaridin, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and treating clothing and gear with permethrin.
Residents are also advised to eliminate sources of standing water such as swimming pools, decorative ponds, poorly functioning roof gutters and used tires.
Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle within five to seven days in May through October, according to county officials. Residents with mosquito concerns can contact the county’s mosquito disease control program at 355-6791 or through the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus website.
