West Niles virus detected in mosquito sampling in Lawrence County

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. (WKBN) – Some mosquito population samples in Lawrence County have tested positive for West Nile Virus and county leaders are letting residents know that it’s time to take some extra precautions when outside.

The Lawrence County Conservation District (LCCD) samples populations around the county and recently detected West Nile Virus in a sample which indicates that it’s likely that other populations could have West Nile exposure as well.

LCCD said that West Nile detection in mosquito populations is not unusual, and every summer the district has a couple of positive samplings, but it serves as a reminder to limit exposure such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellant, dump standing water containers and be extra careful when going out at dusk or dawn.

The samples detected for West Nile were near Brittain Lake in New Wilmington Borough and another in the Edinburg area of Mahoning Township.

LCCD officials said there is no West Nile emergency, but residents should begin using precautionary measures when outside to deter mosquitoes.

There is no vaccine for West Nile Virus and most people infected will not feel sick. Only one in five people infected can feel symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

The last confirmed case of West Nile Virus in humans occurred in September 2023.

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