With 258 mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) and four human cases diagnosed in the state so far this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging residents to “Fight the Bite” and protect themselves from the bloodsuckers.
A single human case each has been found in Berks, Lancaster, Luzerne and Philadelphia counties.
The top counties for WNV-positive mosquitoes have been Philadelphia, 53; York, 44; Lancaster, 25; Delaware, 24; Bucks, 16; Berks, 12, Luzerne, 11; Dauphin, 10; Allegheny, 8; Northampton, 8; and Cumberland, 7.
Protecting yourself from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses like WNV does take much, according to Acting DEP Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Common sense and insect repellent can go a long way toward a safe and happy summer.”
There are many things people can do to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
Eliminate standing, stagnant water near your home. Bird baths, kiddie pools, and other outdoor decorations can be mosquito breeding grounds if the water sits for a few days.
Keep gutters clean of debris.
Wear insect repellent or long sleeves when mosquitoes are active, which is usually around dawn and dusk.
Repair window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Clean up litter in your neighborhood. Just a single cap from a plastic bottle, when filled with water, can be home to 300 mosquito eggs.
“Standing water is where mosquitoes breed, and it doesn’t take much for mosquitoes to lay eggs,” said Jennifer Stough, water program specialist for DEP’s Vector Management Program.
“Mosquitoes are weak flyers and won’t travel far from where they are born. If there are mosquitoes in your backyard or neighborhood, they are likely laying eggs there as well. If you’re being bitten by mosquitoes, they are 9 times out of 10 coming from your property.
“Get rid of even small amounts of standing water around your home.”
Use of commonly sold insect repellents, like those using DEET, Picaridin or other EPA-registered repellants, can also cut down on mosquito bites, and possible exposure to the virus.
Long pants and sleeves are also an important way to cut down on possible exposure to mosquitoes.
“With the right precautions it’s possible to be safe and still get all of the physical and mental health benefits that having fun outdoors provides,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
DEP and county partners throughout the state will conduct routine, localized spraying to control infected adult populations of mosquitoes when and where deemed necessary based on recent population survey results.
“Control operations are a strong tool, but they are not a substitute for preventive measures like eliminating standing, stagnant water,” said Stough.
First 2022 cases of West Nile Virus in people has health officials urging caution
DEP will continue to survey affected communities to monitor mosquito activity and WNV. DEP biologists have initiated a survey of the mosquito population to determine the risk for further human illness. If necessary, adult mosquito populations will be reduced. The efforts will continue through October.
More information on mosquitoes can be found at DEP’s West Nile Virus webpages.
