The Erie County Department of Health confirms that mosquito groups collected in Harborcreek Township and within the City of Erie on August 30, 2022 have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the seventh and eighth mosquito groups to test positive in Erie County in 2022. At this time, no human cases have been reported in Erie County.

Additional monitoring for mosquitoes will be done in the area where these mosquito groups were collected. Appropriate control work will be conducted, depending on the number and types of mosquitoes that are found.

Certain species of mosquitoes carry West Nile virus. When transmitted to people, this virus can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. Anyone can get the virus, but older adults and people with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of developing severe illness because their bodies have a harder time fighting off disease.

Prevent mosquito bites with the following tips:

Reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods by getting rid of standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

More information is available at Westnile.state.pa.us.