PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County is increasing its use of pesticides as mosquito samples collected in and around Pittsburgh continue to test positive for West Nile virus.
The Allegheny County Health Department will treat certain communities with the low-risk pesticide Zenevex E20 to reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The insecticide is safe for people and pets.
On August 19, teams will cover the districts of Leetsdale, Edgeworth, Sewickley, Glen Osborne, and the neighborhoods of Brighton Heights and Marshall-Shadeland.
On August 22, teams will cover the neighborhoods of California–Kirkbride, Manchester, Perry South, Fineview, Mexican War Streets, Allegheny Commons, Troy Hill and Spring Garden.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the country and is spread by infected mosquitoes. So far this year, two human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Allegheny County; one of the victims required hospitalization.
According to the health department, mosquitoes can breed in as little as half an inch of standing water, so people should pay special attention to potential breeding grounds such as standing water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated pipes and clogged gutters.
