Pittsburgh neighborhoods to be treated for mosquitoes to prevent West Nile virus

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania now has the highest number of West Nile virus cases in mosquitoes since the disease was first found in 2000.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection agents said the season’s peak hasn't even been reached.

>>RELATED: Officials testing first suspected human case of West Nile virus in Allegheny Co.

The Allegheny County Health Department will treat for mosquitoes in several Pittsburgh neighborhoods between 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and Monday. Parts of Hazelwood, Southside Flats, Southside Slopes, Mount Washington and Beltzhoover will be treated.

“I need to go home and do some research on the computer to see how to prevent something bad from happening. It's definitely something you don't think about living in Mount Washington,” resident Jamie Kurger said.

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The goal is to decrease the mosquito population and reduce the risk of transmission of West Nile virus. The treatment is not harmful to people or pets.

ACHD officials said so far, there is only one reported human case in western Pennsylvania.

Cox Media Group