First 2022 cases of West Nile Virus in people has health officials urging caution
1 min readPennsylvania’s first probable human cases of West Nile Virus infection in 2022 have been detected in Berks, Lancaster, Luzerne, and Philadelphia counties, according to the state departments of health and environmental protection.
Specimens will be forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which will test to confirm the presence of the virus.
In the meantime, the state is urging people to minimize their exposure to mosquitos, which carry the virus.
Some tips for doing that:
The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk. Consistently using DEET-containing repellents and cover exposed skin with clothing will help avoid mosquito bites.
To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
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The mosquitoes that transmit the virus breed in areas with standing and stagnant water., including clogged gutters, flower pots, discarded tires, bird baths and other containers. To reduce mosquitoes, remove these containers, clean roof gutters, turn siding bools and wheel barrows over when they’re not in use, aerate ornament pools or stock them with fish, maintain swimming pools.
For more tips and information, see the Department of Health’s West Nile Virus fact sheet.
