Centre County announces 3rd positive West Nile Virus sample of the season

Centre County has collected its third positive sample of West Nile Virus this season, officials announced Wednesday.

The Centre County Planning and Community Development Office and state Department of Environmental Protection Vector Management reported that a mosquito sample recently collected in College Township tested positive for WNV — the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States.

In a county release issued Wednesday afternoon, the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program said staff are working to establish additional mosquito surveillance, sampling and larval control. Last month, two samples collected in State College were positive for the virus.

The virus is most commonly spread by individuals being bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most people, 8 in 10, who are infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Some individuals may develop a fever and experience headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting or rash, according to the CDC. More serious symptoms, which are experienced by about one in 150 people, include inflammation of the brain or meningitis.

According to the CDC, about one out of 10 people who develop severe symptoms die from the virus. Recovery may last for several weeks or months.

The county operates a testing program, which is managed by the County Planning and Community Development Office. Licensed personnel trap adult mosquitoes throughout the area and send them to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. If a mosquito tests positive or a large number of species capable of infecting humans, breeding areas are to be treated with pesticides.

Residents are advised to eliminate sources of standing water like swimming pools, decorative ponds, poorly functioning roof gutters and used tires. A community-wide cleanup could also help reduce mosquito concerns.

Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle within five to seven days in May through October. Residents should use repellents when spending time outside. As a last resort, residents can purchase insecticides from garden centers and hardware stores to spray in their yard but need to be sure to follow the label instructions.