Philly leads the state in risk for West Nile virus, according to new data

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphians could be at a higher risk of exposure to the West Nile virus than people in any other county in the state, based on recent numbers from Pennsylvania health officials.

Philadelphia currently has 325 mosquito pools testing positive for West Nile virus, the highest number in Pennsylvania, according to numbers from the state Department of Environmental Protection . Their report shows there are about 100 more positive pools in Philly than the next-highest county, York.

The DEP says each of the surrounding counties has positive mosquito pools. That includes Lehigh and Bucks counties, which rank third and fifth in the state, respectively. Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties also rank in the top 12.

Philly ranked fourth in the state for positive pools in 2023, but saw five confirmed cases of West Nile virus, the most in the state that year. Out of four fatalities across the state, one was in Philly.

Last Thursday, city officials reported two people were infected with a severe form of the virus that can affect the nervous system.

To stay safe, experts recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, pants, and long sleeves for anyone who will be outdoors for a while. They also urge covering arms and legs with mosquito repellent. Most mosquitoes tend to be active at dusk and dawn.

Experts also encourage people to avoid letting areas of standing water form, because they can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. That means turning over things like kiddie pools and wheelbarrows, and being careful with bird baths and garden pools.