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In an undated handout, a Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, which spreads the West Nile virus, on a human finger.
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Penn Hills man is county's first with West Nile virus in 2018

James Gathany/Centers For Disease Control via The New York Times

Penn Hills man is county's first with West Nile virus in 2018

A Penn Hills man is likely the first person to be infected with West Nile virus in Allegheny County in 2018.

The county Health Department said a West Nile virus-carrying Culex mosquito bit the man in mid-July. 

The man, who is in his 70s, was hospitalized when he began exhibiting symptoms. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home, according to the Health Department.

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The Health Department said it is sending samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the man had the virus.

In this photo from last year, Pat Gutmann, from Lawrenceville, left, and Elliott Diamond, from South Side Slopes, hold their breath as an Allegheny County Health Department truck drives by with an Ultra Low Volume sprayer on  in Lawrenceville.
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West Nile virus is commonly spread to people by mosquito bites; it is not spread from person to person.

The virus has been regularly found in Allegheny County since 2002, according to the Health Department. There were six reported cases in the county from 2013 to 2017.

The Health Department said about 20 percent of people infected with the virus will develop symptoms, inculding fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with the virus recover completely on their own. 

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Officials urge the public to protect themselves from mosquitoes by getting rid of standing water, making sure that open windows and doors have screens, using insect repellent on exposed skin and minimizing time spent outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Complaints regarding properties with stagnant water can be reported to the Health Department by calling 412-350-4046.

First Published: July 27, 2018, 9:10 p.m.

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In an undated handout, a Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito, which spreads the West Nile virus, on a human finger.  (James Gathany/Centers For Disease Control via The New York Times)
James Gathany/Centers For Disease Control via The New York Times
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