Cumberland County resident diagnosed with West Nile virus

According to public health officials, late summer is when the virus peaks.

The Health Department reminds residents to stay inside and keep their pets inside while spraying is going on.

This marks the first human case in Allegheny County this year.

Thus far, 95 dead birds with the virus have been counted and 18 batches of mosquitoes tested positive.

The woman is the mother of Dancia Jackson, who was 23 and living in St. Michael, North Dakota, when she died from West Nile virus. Flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands. If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes.

The total number of cases for West Nile in Mississippi this year is 27.

Feist said there is no cure for West Nile virus and treatment is nonspecific supportive care, but the disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Mr. Cwalina said people should not have standing water in buckets, pots, tires or pools in yards, where mosquitoes breed.

The first mosquito infected with West Nile virus in Rockland County was discovered in June.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

– Using screens on your windows and doors.

Make sure that roof gutters drain properly.

Symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.