West Nile-infected mosquitoes require additional treatment in Pittsburgh's West End, North Side

The Allegheny County Health Department will treat several neighborhoods in Pittsburgh’s West End and North Side after recent mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus, officials said.

Crews will spray Elliot and Crafton Heights from 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Workers also will be in the area of Allegheny Center, California-Kirkbride, Perry South, Central North Side and Brighton Heights.

The health department is using Zenivex E20, a pesticide that is non-toxic to humans and pets.

The rain date for treatment is Wednesday.

Public Health Information Officer Chris Togneri said there are several ways that residents can help protect themselves from mosquitoes.

They include getting rid of standing water, making sure there are screens in doors and windows and using insect repellent.

Residents who have complaints about properties with stagnant water in the targeted neighborhoods can report them here.

This week’s efforts follow initial spraying in July and August after mosquitoes with West Nile were found in the city’s West End.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, up to 80% of people that are infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms.

Others can get a fever, body aches, joint pains, vomiting and other symptoms. Most people fully recover.

In less than 1% of cases, people infected with West Nile develop a neurological illness caused by inflammation of the brain, according to the health department.

Togneri said there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Allegheny County since 2018.