BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Planning and Community Development Office shared in a statement on Tuesday, July 23, that a mosquito sample collected recently in Ferguson Township tested positive for the West Nile virus. Results were confirmed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Vector Management, a program responsible for controlling and managing populations of disease-carrying organisms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eight of 10 people infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms. However, one in five people will develop a fever or other symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Body aches
- Join pains
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Additionally, the CDC noted that one in 150 people will develop severe illnesses which affect the central nervous system, like encephalitis (brain inflammation) or meningitis. People 60 and older are at greater risk of severe illness.
While there are no specific medicines to treat West Nile virus, according to the CDC, rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medications can help to relieve symptoms.
“We recommend 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. Residents may also purchase a variety of mosquito control and repellent products available at most home and garden centers,” the BOC noted in a statement.
The CDC also noted that in addition to taking steps to control mosquitoes both inside and outside, the best way to prevent getting West Nile virus is to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
Centre County residents may report mosquito concerns through westnile.state.pa.us or call the Centre County Mosquito Disease Control Program at 814-355-6791.
