Allegheny County to spray 9 neighborhoods for West Nile Virus

Additional mosquito samples in Allegheny County tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Allegheny County Health Department confirmed Monday.

In order to reduce the risk of human transmission, nine neighborhoods will be sprayed with insecticide as a mosquito control treament.

The neighborhoods include:

• Brighton Heights
• Marshall-Shadeland
• California-Kirkbride
• Manchester
• Allegheny Commons
• Mexican War Streets
• Perry South
• Fineview
• Troy Hill/Spring Garden

The treatment will involve Zenivex E20, an insecticide approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. It’s one of the safest insecticides available because it works on contact with mosquitoes yet degrades rapidly in sunlight, the health department said.

“The insecticide is applied using ultra low volume (ULV) sprayers to minimize exposure to 0.6 ounces per acre,” according to the health department. “This application process is considered low risk to people, pets, wildlife, and pollinators.”

The spraying will occur from 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday using the truck-mounted ULV equipment. If weather prevents spraying on Wednesday, it will be rescheduled Thursday for the same time frame.

“Mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are most active from dusk to dawn,” said Nicholas Baldauf, ACHD Vector Control Specialist. “We encourage residents to wear insect repellent or long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during these times.”

A second human West Nile case was recently confirmed in Pittsburgh’s North Side. The first one occurred in Plum.