DEP begins spraying program
DAWSON – The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has implemented a spraying program within the borough after a mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus. “As soon as the positive test was confirmed, authorization for a larvicidal treatment of the suspected location was given, and treatment was applied this week,” said Don Fretts, Fayette County West Nile coordinator on Friday.
The mosquito was collected on June 20.
Fretts declined to give the exact location of the finding, but said a “pool of mosquitoes” was located during routine surveillance. Fifty-four of the 65 insects within the pool were tested, with one having the virus.
This is the first positive result for the West Nile virus in the county this year, according to Fretts.
The county has had two dead birds tested for the disease, but neither was infected. Dead birds can be an indication of the virus in an area.
Anyone finding a dead bird should contact the state Department of Health at 887-724-3258.
Other positive cases have been reported throughout the state this year, including Philadelphia, where a crow was found with the virus. An infected bald eagle was found in Lehigh County and mosquitoes with the virus have been located in Juniata and Washington counties.
There have been no reports of humans being infected with the virus that is carried by mosquitoes.
In 2002, West Nile virus was detected in 62 Pennsylvanians and contributed to the deaths of nine people.
The virus was first detected in North America in 1999 in New York and in Pennsylvania in 2000.
Dawson Mayor Barbara Wilhelm said concerned residents, informed through the media, alerted her to the finding.
“I’m very upset that someone (from the state or county) did not inform me before turning the information over to the media,” she said when contacted Friday. “I shouldn’t be the last to know; I should be one of the first to know.”
Wilhelm said she contacted with the DEP and state Department of Health and was assured monitoring continues at the site.
The DEP recommends those living in an area where the virus has been detected take steps to prevent insect bites, including wearing shoes, socks and long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Also, the agency recommends using an insect repellent with DEET.
Wilhelm said she would encourage residents to be more diligent in ridding their properties of standing water.
According to the DEP, a small bucket with stagnant water in it for seven days can become home for up to 1,000 mosquitoes.
The agency also recommends the following precautions:
– Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water holding containers. Do not overlook containers that are overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
– Pay special attention to discarded tires.
– Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors. Drainage holes that are located on the container sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
– Clean clogged roof gutters annually, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters are easily overlooked but can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
– Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
– Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths and aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.
– Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. Pool covers should also be checked regularly for accumulations of water.
– Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on the property. Mosquitoes will develop in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.
Fretts, meanwhile, said residents concerned with the accumulation of water on neighboring abandoned properties should alert government officials.
Typically, most people bitten by an infected mosquito never develop any symptoms.
Those with mild infections may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Less than 1 percent who develop symptoms get West Nile encephalitis that causes swelling of the brain.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit the state health department Web site at www.westnile.state.pa.us or contact Fretts at 724-438-0111.