West Nile virus confirmed at Rices Landing sewage treatment plant
WAYNESBURG — A mosquito sample recently collected in Rices Landing has tested positive for the West Nile virus, according to information the state Department of Environmental Protection provided to Greene County officials.
DEP staff collected the positive sample Aug. 8 at the Rices Landing sewage treatment plant, and the sample was analyzed by a state laboratory. Currently, DEP staff are applying larvacide and resampling at the plant and within a one-mile radius of the plant to further evaluate what procedures should be taken.
This year to date, 116 samples of mosquitoes have been collected from Greene County, with 70 being tested and one sample testing positive for the virus. Mosquito samples may include one or more mosquito pools with one or more species present.
While it is not necessary to limit outdoor activities, officials are warning that residents take proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to prevent inadvertently creating breeding habitats. Residents should take normal steps to prevent insect bites, be properly clothed when working outside for extended periods of time and consider using mosquito repellent, preferably repellent containing the ingredient DEET. Additionally, household windows and doors should have screens in good repair.
Any water-holding containers located on outside property — in particular, discarded tires — should be disposed of immediately in an appropriate manner. Stagnant water in discarded tires is where most mosquitoes breed.
Roof gutters should be properly cleaned for clogs, and plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows should be turned over when not in use. Water also should not be allowed to stagnate in birdbaths, water gardens, and swimming and ornamental pools.
The state’s West Nile Virus Control Program is a multi-agency effort among the Departments of Environmental Protection, Health and Agriculture.
For more information, call the Greene County Conservation District at 724-852-5278 or 724-557-1291, or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.