Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Ferguson Township

A mosquito sample recently collected in Ferguson Township has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Centre County Planning and Community Development Office.

The office’s Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program received the results from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Vector Management.

It is the county’s first reported positive sample this year. Last year, Centre County had five positive samples from mosquitoes and no cases in humans.

County staff are taking preemptive measures by conducting additional mosquito surveillance, sampling, and larva control.

“We recommended residents take preemptive measures by inspecting their yards, taking a few minutes to clean up, reducing yard clutter, and dumping out any sources of stagnant water,” Wayne Laubscher, the Mosquito Disease Control Program Coordinator, wrote in a news release. “Performing a community-wide cleanup will help reduce most mosquito concerns. Residents are urged to contact their local municipality to help promote cleaning up to reduce mosquito concerns and disease risk.”

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that produces severe neurological symptoms in about 1% of humans that become infected as the result of a bite by an infected mosquito. Most people do not develop any symptoms, but some may experience headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

From May through October, mosquitoes complete their life cycle within five to seven days. Laubscher wrote that residents should use repellents when spending time outside. As a last resort, they can purchase insecticides to spray in their yards, but need to be sure to follow the label instructions.

The Centre County surveillance and control program is funded by a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection grant. Between mid-April and October, licensed personnel trap adult mosquitoes in populated areas and send them to DEP for testing. Centre County residents can report mosquito concerns through the Pennsylvania West Nile Virus website or by contacting the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program at 814-355-6791.