WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A resident of Baldwin Borough area has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Allegheny County Department of Health.
The person has been suffering from fever and weakness, which led to hospitalization.
The department has not received any further details, but mentioned that the person was outside frequently.
Notably, this is the first West Nile virus case in Allegheny County for 2024, also the first case in Pennsylvania, the county health department stated.
In response, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has set up several additional mosquito traps in the Baldwin area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes West Nile virus as the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. It transmits to people through bite of an infected mosquito, causing symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, rash, and diarrhea.
Unfortunately, there have been no vaccines or medicines to treat West Nile virus disease. The people are advised to take preventive measures to deter mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellents, covering up with clothes, and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors as well as outdoors.
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