Pennsylvanians reminded to take action to prevent mosquito-breeding.

 Health Secretary Robert S. Zimmerman Jr. today said the Pennsylvania Department of Health is working closely with Allegheny County Health Department to confirm that a county resident who died today had contracted the West Nile Virus.

Blood specimens are being sent to the Department of Health Public Health Laboratory in Lionville, Chester County, for confirmation.  Results from the State Health Lab, which are 95 percent accurate, are expected in the next few days. If the test is positive for West Nile Virus, a final confirmatory test will be done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On Aug. 31, Pennsylvania reported its first 2002 positive human case of West Nile virus.  That person, a Lancaster county man, is recovering.  If confirmed, the Allegheny County case would be the first human death from West Nile virus in Pennsylvania. There were three nonfatal cases confirmed in 2001.

So far this year in Pennsylvania, West Nile virus has been found in 469 birds, 197 mosquito samples, and 54 sentinel and veterinary samples.  The virus has been detected in 56 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.  Pennsylvanians should presume that West Nile virus is throughout the state and should take appropriate precautions.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Allegheny County are enhancing mosquito trapping and surveillance in the county.       

Secretary Zimmerman said residents can reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating the places where mosquitoes breed.  Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days.  He suggested taking these simple steps:

·        Eliminate standing water in any type of containers, including tin cans, plastic containers, bird baths or ceramic pots;

·        Remove standing water from discarded tires;

·        Clean clogged roof gutters and drains, especially if leaves from surrounding trees tend to plug up drains;

·        Clean and chlorinate swimming pools;

·        Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use;

·        Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish; and

·        Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.

Secretary Zimmerman also recommends these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those most at risk:

·        Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home;

·        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 have large numbers of mosquitoes;

·        When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods (usually April through October); and

·        Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  An effective repellent will contain DEET.  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.

West Nile virus is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes.  The virus can cause West Nile encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.  While anyone can contract the virus, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of developing the disease.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 1068 identified human cases of West Nile virus in 31 states and the District of Columbia.  This includes 45 deaths, again, none of which have occurred in Pennsylvania.

The Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory this year has performed tests of nearly 200 people with clinical symptoms of encephalitis.

People with mild infections of West Nile virus may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  People with more serious infections may experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions and paralysis.  Secretary Zimmerman advises anyone with any of these symptoms to contact a doctor.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus.  While most people fully recover, in severe cases, hospitalization is needed.

For more information on West Nile virus, including current test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, or go directly to WestNile.state.pa.us.