Treatment in Morningside for West Nile Virus
The Allegheny County Health Department treated Morningside and several surrounding Pittsburgh neighborhoods on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, after mosquito samples in the area tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The treatment included The Hill District, Upper Hill, Polish Hill, Bloomfield, Friendship, Stanton Heights, Morningside, Highland Park, and Homewood. Crews used a truck-mounted sprayer to apply Zenivex E20, a pesticide approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The product is considered low risk to people, pets, pollinators, and wildlife when used as directed.
Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, with cases occurring primarily during mosquito season, which typically runs from spring through fall.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms. About 1 in 5 infected people develop a fever and other symptoms, which may include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Fewer than 1% of infected people develop a serious illness.
“Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn,” said Allegheny County Health Department Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf. “To deter mosquito bites, we encourage people to use insect repellent on exposed skin or to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite.”
There is currently no vaccine to prevent West Nile Virus and no specific medication to treat the infection. Anyone who believes they may have West Nile Virus should contact a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis.
Help Reduce Mosquito Breeding Areas
Residents can also help reduce the local mosquito population by eliminating standing water around their homes and properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of stagnant water, making even small amounts of standing water potential breeding sites.
Residents are encouraged to regularly check for and eliminate standing water in:
Tires
Buckets and containers
Unused swimming pools
Corrugated piping
Clogged gutters
Other areas where water can collect
“Allegheny County residents play an important role when it comes to reducing the area’s mosquito population,” said Baldauf.
Residents can report mosquito breeding sites on private properties or in public areas to the Allegheny County Health Department’s Housing and Community Environment Program by calling 412-350-4046.
For additional information about West Nile Virus, including symptoms, transmission, prevention, and frequently asked questions, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s West Nile Virus webpage.
