Thursday evening, the Allegheny County Health Department will take steps to reduce the South Side mosquito population in hopes of minimizing the risk of West Nile virus.
Between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., the department will spray mosquito pesticide Zenivex E20 in numerous South Side neighborhoods, where mosquito samples continue to test positive for the virus.
The pesticide is not harmful to humans or pets, according to the county. A truck-mounted, ultra low volume sprayer will be used.
The following neighborhoods will receive the pesticide: Arlington, Beltzhoover, Bon Air, Duquesne Heights, Knoxville, Mt. Washington, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes and the borough of Mt. Oliver.
If it rains, spraying will take place on Monday during the same hours.
Allegheny County’s last reported human case of West Nile virus was in 2021.
Between 70 to 80% of people who test positive for the virus don’t experience symptoms. Those who do experience develop symptoms can expect a fever, aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Less than 1% of those who test positive develop severe symptoms of neurologic illness.
