First case of West Nile virus in 2024 reported in Baldwin

The first case of West Nile virus has been reported in Allegheny County this year.

The Allegheny County Health Department says the person who tested positive lives in Baldwin.

The person was hospitalized after experiencing fever and weakness symptoms. They also said they spent time outside frequently.

One case of West Nile was reported last year and two in 2022.

Additional mosquito traps have been set up in the Baldwin area for surveillance efforts.

The CDC says most people that become infected with West Nile virus will not even know it.

70 to 80 percent of people do not develop symptoms. 20 percent will develop symptoms like headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting diarrhea and/or rash.

Of those 20 percent, most recover on their own with less than one percent developing “severe symptoms of neurologic illness caused by inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.”

To product yourself from mosquitos make sure open windows have screens and use inspect repellant when outside.

You can remove mosquito breeding areas but getting rid of any standing water on your property.

You can report areas of stagnant water here.