Mosquito spraying to start in Fayette in response to West Nile virus
The detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes trapped in South Union Township means insecticide spraying is likely to begin in Fayette County. Art Cappella, Fayette County’s chief community development specialist and West Nile program coordinator, said he learned Monday from the Pennsylvania Department of Health that a pool of mosquitoes trapped near the township shed in Meadowbrook were infected with the virus.
A sharp shinned hawk found dead in Menallen Township also had the virus, he said.
Last week, Cappella learned that a dead blue jay found in South Union in early August and another one found in Washington Township had the disease.
The health department reported Wednesday that 46 counties in the state have found the virus in mosquitoes or dead birds.
Cappella said a Department of Environmental Protection representative will be in Fayette County today to discuss a spraying program and take a look at a swamp off Route 40 in Wharton Township that has been the subject of mosquito complaints.
“The mosquitoes are here. They’re breeding,” Cappella said. “I’d like to remind people the key in all this is prevention. Wear long sleeves and pants and repellant if you can.”
The health department also recommends eliminating all standing or stagnant water from around homes because mosquitoes need that water to breed.
Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people. It is not spread by person-to-person contact and there is no evidence people can contract the disease by handling infected animals, according to the health department. Hawks, owls, blue jays and crows are susceptible to the disease.
Residents 50 and older, children and people with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus.
Cappella said he and the state health department office, which is in the Fayette County Health Center on New Salem Road, have been busy. People continue to bring in dead birds. Many also call and ask for mosquito traps, information and when they find dead birds.
The mosquito breeding season traditionally ends in October due to lower temperatures and the county’s West Nile program is scheduled to end on Oct. 31, Cappella said, noting that “only time will determine that.”