Aug 8, 2002 By Patty Shultz 4 min read

Recent deaths in Louisiana related to the West Nile Virus, in addition to reports the disease has infected persons in Illinois, Florida and Washington, has state and local health officials advising residents to take precautions to prevent a similar outbreak. “We haven’t identified any human (West Nile Virus) cases in Pennsylvania this year, but we are reminding residents to do some things that will prevent a mosquito infestation,” said Richard McGarvey, state Department of Health spokesman on Wednesday.

While no one has been diagnosed with the virus, several birds, chickens and mosquitoes were found to be infected throughout the state, added McGarvey.

None of the reported infected cases were located in Fayette, Greene or Washington counties.

“There has been 37 positive birds, 11 mosquitoes and 12 sentinel chickens,” said McGarvey.

The sentinel chickens are part of the state’s surveillance program. The chickens are distributed throughout the state and are tested weekly for the virus.

McGarvey said the virus does not affect the chickens, but does allow health department officials to track the virus.

The West Nile Virus can be found throughout most of the eastern U.S. and is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses and birds.

Most people who become infected have either no symptoms or mild ones. It is rare, said health department officials, when the infection results in a severe illness or is fatal.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 89 cases, including five deaths have occurred this year.

From 1999 to 2001, there were 149 reported human cases, including 18 deaths.

Connellsville health officer Rita Bornstein said that she and the city street department have continued to survey abandoned buildings and homes to assure water is not accumulating in abandoned recycling bins or garbage cans and other items.

“We’re very concerned about stagnant water which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Bornstein.

Wading pools, birdbaths and watering trays for flowerpots have been found to be likely spawning areas for the insects, said Bornstein.

“We haven’t had a lot of rain, so residents are filling these birdbaths and watering trays,” she said. “The wading pools are not being drained and it doesn’t take long for them to draw the mosquitoes.”

Bornstein added that another area of concern is swimming pools or ponds that have not been adequately treated before the owners leave for an extended vacation.

“We’ve been very fortunate, so far,” she said. “We are, however, asking our residents to police themselves.”

In Louisiana, 71 residents have been confirmed to be infected by the mosquito-borne disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

Five people have died from the virus in the state.

On Tuesday, a Louisiana man who became ill while visiting friends in the state of Washington, is believed to have been exposed to the virus at home.

In Illinois, a 22-year-old woman was found to have contracted the virus. Officials said the case indicates the westward movement of the virus.

The latest case was reported in Florida, where an 18-year-old female was awaiting the results of tests after developing many of the flu-like symptoms associated with the virus.

When transmitted to people, the virus can cause encephalitis, an infection that causes inflammation of the brain. Older people have the highest risk of developing severe illness because of their age and their inability to fight off disease. Those with immune system deficiencies also are at a higher risk of developing the illness.

McGarvey, meanwhile, recommends the following precautions to reduce the number of mosquitoes:

??Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other water-holding containers.

??Remove stagnant water in discarded tires.

??Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.

??Clean clogged roof gutters.

??Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.

??Turn over wheelbarrows.

??Aerate ornamental pools or stock with fish.

??Clean and chlorinate swimming pools when not in use.

??Use landscaping to eliminate standing water.

The state health department also recommends using an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors. Avoid applying a repellent to children less than 2-years-old and on the hands of those over the age of two.