CENTRE COUNTY — West Nile Virus is rampant throughout the region, with more than double of reported cases this year compared to 2024.
According to Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program Coordinator Sara Conklin, there are 16 reported cases in Centre County, with the most recent positive documented in College Township on Aug. 26.
“We don’t have any human cases of West Nile Virus, only mosquitos,” Conklin said.
Conklin said positive cases have also been reported from mosquito samples collected in Spring Township, Harris Township, Patton Township, Rush Township, and State College Borough. All municipalities in Centre County have traps that are being monitored by two technicians.
There are 16 positive cases in Centre County to date, Conklin said, compared to only seven cases in 2024.
“Cases are on the rise across the state,” she explained. “There was more rain this summer and spring was really wet, which results in standing water which attracts mosquitos. I wouldn’t doubt that we will have more positives before the end of summer.”
Conklin said technicians will stop monitoring their traps at the end of September, but depending on weather, they will continue testing if mosquito activity continues.
“Mosquitos usually die out when it gets cold,” Conklin said.
What is West Nile Virus?
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, West Nile virus is an illness spread to people by infected mosquitos. It was first detected in
Pennsylvania in 2000. The best way to protect against WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
Conklin said to reduce or eliminate mosquito bites, dump, drain, or treat artificial containers such as tires, buckets, bird baths, ornamental ponds, flowerpots, tarps, toys, etc. to reduce areas where mosquitoes can live.
Additionally, use mosquito repellents, and wear long pants and long sleeve shirts when mosquito activity is highest — typically at dawn and dusk — to avoid mosquito bites.
About 1 in 5 infected people develop symptoms such as fever, rash, vomiting or diarrhea, head and body aches, and joint pain.
Most people make a complete recovery, however lethargy can persist for weeks or months.
Cases occur when mosquitoes are active, spring through fall.
Most recent data states 3,070 cases have been reported throughout Pennsylvania in 2025.
