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Penn Hills mosquito tests for West Nile virus
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A mosquito captured along Laketon Road in Penn Hills is the latest to test positive for the West Nile virus.
Guillermo Cole, spokesman for the Allegheny County Health Department, said the positive sample taken May 31 represents the fourth positive sample discovered in the county this season.
The first of four positive test samples was taken May 18 in Squirrel Hill near the intersection of Forbes Avenue and South Dallas Street in the area of the Homewood Cemetery. It represented the earliest by five weeks that a positive sample has been discovered in the 10 years of department has conducted the testing program. Since then, two other positive samples have been found in that area, Mr. Cole said.
Due to the early infestation, the department plans to begin Monday to treat 10,000 catch basins in the city and surrounding communities to prevent mosquito larvae from maturing into adults. That treatment process will take place throughout the week from 4 to 9 p.m., with a focus on areas where positive samples were found.
The virus that's transmitted primarily by mosquitoes can cause fever, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Most humans overcome the illness, but it can be fatal to those with immunity problems.
First Published June 7, 2012 12:00 am
