Philadelphia Health Department Warns of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus

Antlered Crane Fly, (Tanyptera dorsalis), Tipuloidea, Ctenophorinae, Tipulomorpha. — Source: marcophotos / Getty

The Philadelphia Health Department has issued a warning to residents of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus.

City health officials detected the disease in mosquitoes near Pennypack Park in Northeast Philly. They are cautioning residents to protect themselves

As a precaution, officials have urged area doctors and medical office staff to be hyper-alert for patients with the specific symptoms of the West Nile virus.

West Nile virus symptoms

Some common symptoms include fever, dizziness, body aches and fatigue.

How to protect yourself from West Nile virus

There are no medications or vaccines to help assist with the fight against the West Nile virus, but there are many ways to protect yourself from contracting it.

First, use insect repellent. Also, the use of long-sleeved shirts and pants can help, too.

Dr. Kaitlin Baston, the New Jersey health commissioner, spoke out to families in a statement reiterating the importance of practicing safe methods to protect themselves from the virus.

“This year, New Jersey is seeing higher than average West Nile virus activity earlier than expected,” Baston said last year. “As mosquito season can last into October, bite prevention will be essential in protecting yourself and your family against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus in the remaining summer months and into the fall.”

No human cases have been reported in the city, officials shared.

“From May through October, PDPH, in collaboration with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, conducts mosquito management activities throughout Philadelphia, which entails surveillance and identification of mosquito pools, testing pools for WNV, and control activities (eliminating breeding sites, larviciding catch basins, ground spraying, etc.),” health officials shared.