The city’s Department of Public Health has issued a health advisory due to the detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes near Pennypack Park in Northeast Philadelphia. Residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses.
Medical providers are instructed to check patients for symptoms of West Nile and report cases immediately. The risk is higher than usual during the summer months, especially for older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes will not develop symptoms, but severe cases can occur in rare instances, resulting in death. Symptoms include a flulike illness, fever, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and body aches.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus. Rest, fluids, and pain medication can help relieve symptoms. Most people fully recover.
In the past four years, an average of 4 to 9 people in Philadelphia have been diagnosed with West Nile virus that caused neurological complications, including one fatality each year. As of Thursday, there were no confirmed cases among city residents this year.
Residents are advised to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, such as using bug repellent, wearing protective clothing, and regularly emptying standing water outside their homes.
Source: https://www.inquirer.com/health/west-nile-virus-detected-pennypack-park-20250718.html