Latest news with #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
More mosquito samples test positive for West Nile Virus, Allegheny County Health Department says
The Allegheny County Health Department on Monday confirmed that additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The health department will treat areas for mosquitoes in the communities of Hazelwood, South Side Slopes, Arlington, Mount Oliver, Carrick, Knoxville, and Beltzhoover with the pesticide Zenivex E20. Zenivex E20 is classified by the EPA as a low-risk insecticide as it is not harmful to humans or pets. Crews will spray affected areas on Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. In the event of rain, spraying will take place the following Monday, July 28, during those same hours. West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases of West Nile Virus occur during mosquito season, which begins in the spring and goes through the fall. The last reported human case of West Nile Virus in Allegheny County occurred in September 2024. "Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn," said Allegheny County Health Department Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf. "To deter mosquito bites, we encourage people to use insect repellent on exposed skin or to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite." People who are infected with West Nile Virus usually do not feel sick, and only one in five infected will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus. Residents who believe they or someone they know might have contracted West Nile Virus should contact a health care professional for an official evaluation and diagnosis. "Allegheny County residents play an important role when it comes to reducing the area's mosquito population," said Baldauf. "Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping, and clogged gutters."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Allegheny County resident linked to multistate Salmonella illness outbreak
An Allegheny County resident has been linked to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses. The Allegheny County Health Department said everyone with the outbreak reported contact with backyard poultry. According to the CDC, the illnesses began spreading on Feb. 9. Some of the people infected reported getting poultry from agricultural retail stores. A strain of Salmonella sickness was found in samples inside a box used to ship poultry in Ohio. People who interact with backyard poultry are asked to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms: Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving Bloody diarrhea So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up The health department asked anyone who deals with backyard poultry to do the following: Wash your hands after touching poultry, their eggs, or the area where the poultry live. Use hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands right away. It is especially important to ensure that young children wash their hands as they are more likely to get sick from germs like Salmonella. Avoid eating or drinking around backyard poultry and their living area. Clean supplies used to maintain backyard poultry often and store them outside of your home. Collect eggs often, clean them, and refrigerate them. Cook egg-based dishes to an internal temperature of 160°F. Public health officials are working to learn more about other potential exposures. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Allegheny County crews start treating stormwater catch basins to control mosquito population
Allegheny County's next step in controlling the mosquito population is treating stormwater catch basins in multiple communities that act as breeding grounds for the bugs. Treatment of basins in Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks, Millvale, Mt. Oliver and Wilkinsburg began on Monday and is expected to be completed by June 6. Work could be postponed if there's heavy rain. County officials say the approximately 14,000 basins being treated have had a history of West Nile in previous years. Community members can identify a treated basin by a bright green paint marking. During treatment, health department crews will deposit small blocks of Altosid XR, a product that targets mosquito larvae. It's non-toxic to people, pets, plants and aquatic life. It's the same product the health department used to treat wetlands earlier in the spring. The public can also help reduce the mosquito population by reducing breeding sites on their properties. 'Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of stagnant water, so be sure to pay close attention to potential breeding sites like water in tires, tarps, unused swimming pools, corrugated piping, buckets, and clogged gutters,' said Nick Baldauf of the Allegheny County Health Department. You notify officials of a breeding ground by filing a complaint online or by calling 412-350-4046. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBS News
12-05-2025
- CBS News
Pittsburgh restaurant hit with consumer alert after inspector finds dead mice and rodent droppings
A Pittsburgh restaurant was hit with a consumer alert after an inspector reported finding dead mice and "too many to count" rodent droppings. The Allegheny County Health Department issued a consumer alert for Murray Ave Grill in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood after an inspection on May 8. According to the report, an inspector found two dead mice in the basement. On top of that, the inspector wrote that there were "too many to count" rodent droppings along the walls, floors and shelves in the basement storage areas and office space. There were reportedly rodent droppings throughout the facility, including in the walk-in cooler and in a cabinet behind the bar. The inspector also reported finding two liquor bottles at the bar with dead insects floating inside, and there was a "black, mold-like substance" on the ice machine. The health department designates those violations as high risk, meaning they may lead directly to foodborne illness or injury. Several other medium- and low-risk violations were found during the inspection, like loose rodent bait packs in the basement and behind the booths in the dining room. As of Monday afternoon, the consumer alert was still posted, according to the health department's website. The website will be updated when it's removed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Allegheny County soon starts annual effort to control mosquito population
Allegheny County leaders announced what steps they're taking to stay ahead of this year's mosquito population. The Allegheny County Health Department soon launches its annual program targeting mosquito larvae before they can take flight. This program starts this month by treating more than 50 wetlands across 50 municipalities with Altosid XR, a biological larvicide that disrupts the life cycle of mosquitoes and midges without harming humans, pets or aquatic life. Then, starting May 19, crews will also treat over 13,500 storm drains and catch basins in Pittsburgh and five nearby boroughs. Health officials say these shallow, stagnant basins are ideal mosquito breeding grounds, and treating them early reduces the need for adult mosquito spraying later in the year. Officials say early treatment is one of the most effective management practices they have to control mosquito populations. 'It's much easier and more environmentally responsible to control mosquitoes while they're still larvae,' said Tim Murphy of the Allegheny County Health Department. 'These early interventions reduce both nuisance bites and serious health threats.' The community can also help control the mosquito population by reporting potential breeding grounds. You can file a complaint online or by calling 412-350-4046. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
