Another human West Nile virus case reported in Allegheny County

Allegheny County Health Department confirmed the second human West Nile case of this year.

A person was hospitalized after developing symptoms in the beginning of August.

Just a few weeks earlier, on Aug. 18, the county announced a Plum resident had been suffering from fever, malaise and digestive troubles which was confirmed as the first human case of West Nile in the area.

The Plum resident’s name and gender were not released, but the health department said the person is recovering at home.

It was unclear if the second person still was in the hospital Thursday.

The residence of the individual was not included in the news release, and no further details will be shared to protect the patient’s privacy, according to the health department.

The Allegheny County Health Department will begin additional traps and treatment sprays in Pittsburgh’s North Side on Sept. 8, said Ronnie Das, health department spokesman.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70% to 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms.

“About 20% may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people recover without medical treatment, but less than 1% develop severe neurological illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider,” the new release said.

In July, Allegheny County Health Department officials Monday announced mosquito samples had tested positive for West Nile virus, spurring multiple mosquito treatments throughout the county, including the neighborhoods of Hazelwood, South Side Slopes, Arlington, Mt. Oliver, Carrick, Knoxville Beltzhoover Point Breeze, Regent Square, East Hills, Homewood and Highland Park. The communities of Edgewood and Wilkinsburg also were treated.

While Westmoreland County doesn’t have a health department, the Westmoreland County Conservation District oversees a West Nile program. By the end of July, 15 sites reported mosquitoes infected with West Nile, including Youngwood, West Newton, Rostraver, New Kensington, Derry, Jeannette, Latrobe and Greensburg.

Additional mosquito traps will be placed.

The health department, urges people to protect against mosquito bites by removing standing water, using window and door screens and applying insect repellent at dawn and dusk.

Residents can report properties with stagnant water online.