Mosquito samples recently collected in two Centre County townships tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a release on Thursday from the county’s Planning and Community Development Office, which received the results from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Vector Management.
One mosquito sample collected in Patton Township and two in Spring Township marked the county’s first reported positive tests for West Nile virus in 2025.
Additional mosquito surveillance, sampling and larval control are being performed in the townships as necessary by the county’s Mosquito Disease Control Program staff.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease, and most people who are infected do not develop any symptoms. Some, however, may experience headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, and in about 1% of humans the virus produces severe neurological symptoms.
In 2024, Centre County had no confirmed human case of West Nile virus, along with seven positive mosquito samples and one confirmed bird case, according to DEP data.
West Nile virus has been detected in 39 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties so far this year, with no human infections reported.
Residents are advised to take pre-emptive measures by cleaning up, reducing yard clutter and dumping out any sources of stagnant water such as used tires, ornamental ponds, poorly functioning gutters, unused swimming pools, buckets, toys and tarps.
Most mosquitos in residential areas come from artificial containers left to collect stagnant water, which protect larvae from natural predators. Even during dry periods, such containers continue to hold water and a single bucket or tire can produce hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes in a year.
“Performing a community-wide cleanup will help reduce most mosquito concerns,” according to the release. “Residents are urged to contact their local municipal officials to help promote cleaning up to reduce mosquito concerns and disease risk. Stormwater management systems can sometimes contribute to mosquito issues and are routinely monitored by the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program staff.”
The state DEP advises that residents with stagnant pools of water on their property can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Other precautions recommended by the DEP include:
- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children. Repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
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.
