Allegheny County plans truck mosquito spraying to prevent West Nile virus

The Allegheny County Health Department reports that recent mosquito samples collected in some Pittsburgh neighborhoods have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The sampling that yielded those positive results were collected from Perry South, Allegheny Center, Mount Washington and Beltzhoover.

As a result, the health department said it will treat those neighborhoods with a sprayed pesticide on Monday. The application will occur via a truckmounted, “ultra-low volume” sprayer between 8 and 10 p.m., according to county officials.

If it rains, the treatment will be postponed until Tuesday during the same hours.

The health department will use a pesticide called Zenivex. The county said the pesticide, which will be released at a rate of 0.6 ounces per acre, kills adult mosquitoes but is not harmful to people or pets.

The treatment is intended to decrease the mosquito population, which should reduce the risk of transmission of West Nile virus.

There have been no reported cases of West Nile virus this year, but health officials are still warning the public to take precautions, including removing standing water in yards and neighborhoods (which attracts mosquitoes), making sure that open windows and doors have screens, using insect repellent on exposed skin, and minimizing time spent outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Most people who are infected with the West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms, however about 20% will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

Most people with these symptoms will recover completely and can recover on their own.

Complaints regarding properties with stagnant water can be reported by calling 412-350-4046.