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First human case of West Nile virus since 2021 reported in Allegheny County

By Taylor Spirito, WPXI.com

West Nile Virus FILE -In this May 11, 2007 , file photo, Scott Sawlis sorts mosquitos according to species and gender before testing them at a the county mosquito lab in Dallas. Health officials say 2012 was the worst for West Nile deaths since the virus was reported in the country over a decade ago. The final tally reported Monday, May 13, 2013, was 286 deaths or two more than the previous record set in 2002. But there were far fewer illnesses overall, and fewer serious cases than in many previous years. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero/AP)

By Taylor Spirito, WPXI.com

PITTSBURGH — A human case of West Nile virus has been recorded in Allegheny County, the first since 2021, the Allegheny County Health Department announced Tuesday.

The ACHD identified the person as a woman in her 70s who lives in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. She was hospitalized for a short time before being released to her house to recover.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported seven other cases of West Nile virus this year to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a news release said.

The ACHD said it has set up more mosquito traps in Squirrel Hill has part of its West Nile surveillance efforts. It has also treated five other areas where West Nile has been detected with a mosquito pesticide called Zenivex E20. The pesticide isn’t harmful to humans or pets.

The CDC said that 70-80% of people that become infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms and are not impacted.

Those who become infected and develop symptoms should look out for a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

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According to the ACHD, most people with symptoms can recover on their own. Less than 1% of people will develop severe symptoms of neurological illness caused by inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues.

Anyone who believes they or someone they know has West Nile virus should consult a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis, the ACHD said.

The ACHD also urges residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes. You can do so by removing standing water in yards, making sure that open windows and doors have screens, and using insect repellent on exposed skin, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

For more information on the West Nile virus, including frequently asked questions about prevention, symptoms and transmission, visit the CDC’s webpage on the disease.

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