ALLENTOWN, Pa. — City officials launched a truck-mounted spray operation Wednesday after mosquitos carrying West Nile virus were recorded within city limits.
“West Nile virus is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus,” according to an email alert sent to residents through the city’s CodeRED Emergency Alert System. “The decision to spray is because mosquito samples collected over the past two weeks show the presence of West Nile virus.”
The operation, which started at 8:15 a.m. and is scheduled to end at 9:30 p.m., will cover several areas, including: Sumner Avenue, Union and West End Cemetery, Trexler Park, Highland Cemetery, Greenwood Cemetery and the West End Theater District.
“The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection collaborates with representatives from all 67 Pennsylvania counties to establish a comprehensive network for mosquito surveillance and control."Allentown officials
“The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection collaborates with representatives from all 67 Pennsylvania counties to establish a comprehensive network for mosquito surveillance and control,” officials said. “The management of this program is overseen by the Lehigh Conservation District.”
Last year, there were 22 total human West Nile virus cases from 12 counties, according to state data. There were four deaths — one each from Philadelphia, Lackawanna, Allegheny and Lehigh counties.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, and it can cause febrile illness, those having to do with fevers, or neurologic disease, including meningitis or encephalitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information on the DEP’s West Nile virus Control Program, go to the agency’s website.
