Allegheny County continues to spray neighborhoods to reduce West Nile Virus

Allegheny County officials are continuing to treat neighborhoods where positive West Nile Virus were recently found.

The latest communities being treated for mosquitoes with a pesticide called Zenivex E20 are Elliott, Crafton Heights, Sheraden, Chartiers, Esplen and Brighton Heights.

A truck-mounted sprayer will spread the pesticide on Wednesday or Thursday evening. Officials say it’s considered low risk to people, pets, pollinators and wildlife.

West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States and spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Cases typically occur during mosquito season, which runs from spring through fall.

Most infected individuals do not feel sick, though about one in five develop a fever alongside symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Less than 1% of infected people develop severe illness. No vaccines or specific medications are available to treat the virus.

Residents who identify mosquito breeding areas on public or private property can report them to the health department’s Housing and Community Environment Program by calling 412-350-4046 or completing an online form.

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