West Nile still a threat until first frost
A Montgomery County man was hospitalized with West Nile virus.
(Harrisburg) — The state’s first confirmed human cases of West Nile virus of the year are serving as a reminder of the importance of prevention.
The commonwealth’s Health Department says a Montgomery County man was hospitalized with West Nile virus. A York County man was also infected, but did not require hospitalization.
Pennsylvania Physician General Doctor Carrie DeLone says people need to take a few simple precautions to take before heading outdoors.
“These mosquitoes are out at dawn and dusk, that’s the most important time to take personal protection,” Dr. DeLone says. “So wearing long sleeves, using insect repellant with DEET can keep from allowing these mosquitoes to bite you.”
The Department of Environmental Protection says it’s seeing localized outbreaks this summer, as opposed to last year’s statewide outbreak. So far, mosquitoes in 36 counties have tested positive for the virus.
Mosquitoes will continue to bite until the first killing frost. Surveillance and control efforts across the state are expected to remain in effect through the month of October.
