Pennsylvania Reports First West Nile Virus Human Cases of 2012

By CnAgri2012-08-07 19:48:59 Print

Pennsylvania's first human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) of 2012 have been detected. A Franklin County woman is now recovering after being hospitalized with meningitis due to WNV. A Lancaster County woman is also recovering after contracting West Nile fever, the milder form of WNV.

Due to an unprecedented level of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus, the Department of Health strongly urges residents to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes.

"Pennsylvanians should take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes and prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellants," advised Secretary of Health Dr. Eli N. Avila. "This is even more important for older Pennsylvanians and people with weakened immune systems, since they are at the greatest risk of severe illness -- including encephalitis -- if they develop West Nile virus infection."

Statewide sampling shows higher numbers of WNV-infected mosquitoes than any other summer since monitoring began 10 years ago. This is likely due to last year's mild winter.

As a result, Pennsylvania could see a greater number of human illnesses in 2012 than in recent years. The risk for WNV infection is highest during August and September and will not end until the first hard frost.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducts regular surveillance and control to manage mosquito populations around the state. So far, DEP has detected WNV-infected mosquitoes in 42 counties. However, it is likely that WNV is present in other areas as well.

"DEP will continue monitoring and working, through our spray activities, to stop the spread of West Nile Virus around the state," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "I encourage all Pennsylvanians to take appropriate precautions to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus."

The mosquitoes that transmit WNV breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These can include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flower pots and other types of plastic containers.