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Cumberland County officials have confirmed that a second mosquito has tested positive for West Nile virus this week. The latest discovery was made at Shiremanstown Memorial Park, following the first positive sample found Tuesday (July 1) near Carlisle Airport in South Middleton Township. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the county plans to increase surveillance and implement targeted control measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Health experts, including Dr. John D. Goldman from UPMC, emphasize that young children and seniors are most at risk for severe illness. However, widespread outbreaks are considered unlikely. "It's really the extremes of age, the very young and the very old, that tend to get sick," Goldman explained.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. While the virus does not spread through person-to-person contact, it can cause mild symptoms like fever and body aches in about one in five people. Less than 1% of cases can develop into severe West Nile Encephalitis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Residents are urged to use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding. The county is also using an Integrated Pest Management approach to control mosquito populations. Officials recommend securing window and door screens and treating undrainable water sources with larvicides.