Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson today (July 27) reported the first human case of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania this year. The individual, a 43-year-old York County male, was hospitalized and released and has recovered.

“The fact we have seen the first human infection from West Nile reminds all of us that we should take precautions to help reduce the risk of illness,” Dr. Johnson said. “The chance of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is small, and your chances of becoming seriously ill are even smaller. However, it is important to keep in mind that all Pennsylvanians–particularly older adults and people with compromised immune systems–should take simple precautions to reduce their risk.”

Secretary Johnson recommends these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those most at risk:

•   Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep  mosquitoes out of your home;
  
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes;
  
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods (usually April through October); and
  
• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.  Two other insect repellants, Picaridin (KBR 3023) and oil of lemon eucalyptus , a plant-based repellent, was tested against mosquitoes and provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.

Pennsylvanians also can reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating the places where mosquitoes breed. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle of water that lasts more than four days