A woman from Franklin County has become the first human case of West Nile Virus in Pennsylvania. A Lancaster County woman is also recovering after contracting West Nile fever, the milder form of WNV.
This comes as the Centers for Disease Control urges everyone to take steps to prevent infections.
At least four people have died in the U.S. so far this year. The CDC says since January about 240 people have contracted the virus.
That's the highest number at this time of year since 2004, with most cases in Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
"We are early in the season,” stated Dr. Roger Nasci of the Centers for Disease Control stated. “August and September are usually the peak transmission periods so having this much activity this early and this widespread is cause for concern."
The most common symptoms include fever, headache and body aches.
But the virus can also trigger potentially deadly symptoms such as inflammation of the brain.
People over 50 and those with cancer or diabetes are at greatest risk for serious illness.
To keep bugs away, experts say you should look for products that contain DEET because they are the most effective.
Simple steps to eliminate standing water around the home include:
•Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
•Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
•Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
•Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.
•Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with fish.
•Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and remove standing water from pool covers.
•Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
•Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of day or night, they are most active at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
DEP will continue to survey communities statewide to monitor the size and scope of the WNV. When necessary, DEP will conduct larval and adult control activities in order to lessen the threat to human health. These efforts will continue through the end of October.
For a fact sheet on WNV, including symptoms, please visit the Department of Health’s webpage, www.health.state.pa.us, and click on “West Nile Virus Fact Sheet” under “What’s Hot.”
For more information, including current test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us and click on the Pennsylvania map, or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.
This comes as the Centers for Disease Control urges everyone to take steps to prevent infections.
At least four people have died in the U.S. so far this year. The CDC says since January about 240 people have contracted the virus.
That's the highest number at this time of year since 2004, with most cases in Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
"We are early in the season,” stated Dr. Roger Nasci of the Centers for Disease Control stated. “August and September are usually the peak transmission periods so having this much activity this early and this widespread is cause for concern."
The most common symptoms include fever, headache and body aches.
But the virus can also trigger potentially deadly symptoms such as inflammation of the brain.
People over 50 and those with cancer or diabetes are at greatest risk for serious illness.
To keep bugs away, experts say you should look for products that contain DEET because they are the most effective.
Simple steps to eliminate standing water around the home include:
•Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
•Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
•Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
•Do not let water stagnate in birdbaths.
•Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with fish.
•Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and remove standing water from pool covers.
•Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
•Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of day or night, they are most active at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
DEP will continue to survey communities statewide to monitor the size and scope of the WNV. When necessary, DEP will conduct larval and adult control activities in order to lessen the threat to human health. These efforts will continue through the end of October.
For a fact sheet on WNV, including symptoms, please visit the Department of Health’s webpage, www.health.state.pa.us, and click on “West Nile Virus Fact Sheet” under “What’s Hot.”
For more information, including current test results for mosquitoes, birds and horses, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us and click on the Pennsylvania map, or call 1-877-PA HEALTH.