Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program

Our Purpose

The Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program aims to reduce the transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) by establishing a mosquito monitoring and collection program. The program is managed through the PA Department of Environmental Protection and is administered at the local level by Blair County Emergency Management Agency.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause brain inflammation, known as encephalitis. However, most people that become infected with WNV do not show any symptoms. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Mosquitoes contract the virus when they bite or take a blood meal from birds that are infected with the virus. Those infected mosquitoes can then transmit the virus to humans, animals, and other birds when taking another blood meal. It is important to know, WNV can not be spread through person-to-person contact.

Program Details

The program is comprised of two parts, surveillance and control. Immature mosquitoes, known as larvae, are collected from aquatic habitats like old tires, catch basins, flood plains, etc. Through larval surveillance, we can identify mosquito species and the type of habitat they prefer. Adult mosquitoes are collected from April to October and are then sent to PA DEP for identification and for virus testing. Based on larval and adult surveillance data, we are able to decide if control is needed. Eliminating standing water where the mosquitoes are breeding is preferred. However, when that is not possible, a larval control product is used such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that selectively kills mosquito larvae. Adult control is only considered when virus activity has been detected or when nuisance levels become extreme. In the case of an adult control event, such as an ULV truck spray, the public will be notified 24-48 hours prior to the operation.

Additional Information

Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program Flyer

More information regarding mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus Program in Blair County.

Contact Blair County EMA

For questions or concerns, or to file a mosquito complaint.

PA West Nile Control Program

For additional information, file a complaint, or view current statistics.