Lancaster County, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Lancaster County has experienced a significant uptick in West Nile virus cases, with 11 reported human cases for 2024, including a surge of two new cases each week in recent weeks. Statewide, Pennsylvania has recorded 51 cases, starkly contrasting with previous years. Health officials emphasize mosquito prevention and awareness as the peak season approaches.
Lancaster County Reports Surge in West Nile Virus Cases, Totaling 11 for 2024
Lancaster County has reported a concerning increase in human cases of West Nile virus, with two new cases emerging each week over the past three weeks. The total number of human cases in the county for the year 2024 has now reached 11. This alarming rise has caught the attention of health officials, as indicated in a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released on Friday.
Across the state, Lancaster County’s figures contribute to a broader concern, with a total of 51 human cases of West Nile virus reported statewide in Pennsylvania this year. These figures mark a stark contrast to previous years in Lancaster County, where there were only five reported human cases and two deaths in 2024 juxtaposed with zero cases in 2023.
West Nile virus is primarily an illness affecting birds and was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2000. The disease is typically transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarifies that West Nile virus does not spread between people through activities such as coughing, sneezing, or touch.
Generally, cases of West Nile virus peak between late August and early September. Current statistics indicate that the majority of individuals infected with the virus experience no symptoms; however, approximately 20% may face flu-like symptoms. A severe form of the illness occurs in less than 1% of those infected, leading to potential complications affecting the central nervous system.
Severe illness can lead to conditions such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, and meningitis, an inflammation of the surrounding membranes. Approximately 10% of those suffering from severe illness due to the virus may face fatal outcomes, with some survivors experiencing permanent symptoms.
Certain individuals are at higher risk for severe illness, notably adults aged 65 and older, who are three times more likely to develop neurological illness. Other medical conditions that heighten this risk include cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. The onset of symptoms typically appears between 2 to 6 days after infection, though it can take as long as 14 days for symptoms to manifest.
Preventive measures against West Nile virus primarily focus on avoiding mosquito bites. Key recommendations include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and treating clothing with permethrin.
Residents are encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding grounds in their vicinity by eliminating standing water. This can include emptying small wading pools, maintaining swimming pools, clearing debris from drainage areas, and changing water in birdbaths weekly. The report highlights that high populations of adult mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus have been detected in Lancaster County, prompting a call for community awareness and preventative action.
FAQs
What is the current total of West Nile virus human cases in Lancaster County for 2024?
The total human case tally for West Nile virus in Lancaster County for 2024 now stands at 11.
What is the total number of human West Nile virus cases reported statewide in Pennsylvania for 2024?
The 11 cases in Lancaster County are part of a total of 51 human cases reported statewide in Pennsylvania this year.
How has the number of reported cases changed from 2023 to 2024 in Lancaster County?
In 2024, there were five reported human cases and two deaths in Lancaster County; in 2023, there were zero reported cases.
Who is primarily affected by West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is primarily an illness of birds and was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2000. The virus is transmitted mainly by infected mosquitoes.
What symptoms are associated with West Nile virus?
Most individuals infected will experience no symptoms, while about 20% will feel flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% will develop a severe version of the illness affecting the central nervous system.
What should individuals do to protect themselves from West Nile virus?
Measures include wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and treating clothes with permethrin.
How can residents reduce mosquito breeding sites?
Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water, which includes maintaining swimming pools, clearing drainage areas, and changing water in birdbaths weekly.
Key Features of West Nile Virus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Human Cases in Lancaster County | 11 |
| Statewide Human Cases in Pennsylvania | 51 |
| Cases in 2023 in Lancaster County | 0 |
| Peak Season | Late August to Early September |
| Reported Symptoms | Flu-like symptoms in ~20%, Severe illness in <1% |
| Preventive Measures | Avoiding mosquito bites, eliminating standing water |
| Risks for Severe Illness | Age (65+), existing medical conditions |
For further safety measures, individuals are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in their defense against vector-borne illnesses, especially as September approaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lancaster Online
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
- 1011 Now
- Google Search: West Nile Virus
- ABC 27
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito
- WGAL
- Google News: West Nile Virus Lancaster County
- KLIN
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