Blair County

Pennsylvania

Documents

2025 Mosquito Season Summary

View original document →

Program Overview

The Blair County Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program operates under the Blair County Emergency Management Public Safety division. The program's primary goal is to reduce the transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV) through a combination of surveillance, public education, and control measures.

  • Operational Period: April to October
  • Methodology: Integrated Pest Management (IPM), utilizing physical, biological, and chemical controls.
  • Testing: Mosquitoes are collected and sent to the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) for identification and virus testing.

Surveillance Results

Surveillance sites were established throughout Blair County, prioritizing areas with high human population, foot traffic (such as recreational parks), and historical mosquito production (standing water, floodwater, sewage treatment plants).

Collection Statistics:

  • Total Samples Collected: 513
    • Gravid traps: 332
    • Host-seeking traps: 52
    • Larval dipping: 129
  • Testing Results: From the adult samples, 156 mosquito pools were generated. This resulted in 11 positive West Nile Virus samples.

Timeline of Positive Findings:

  • June: First positive pool reported in Huston Township.
  • July: One positive pool reported in Altoona City.
  • August: Seven positive pools reported within Altoona City and Hollidaysburg Borough.
  • September: Two positive pools reported in Woodbury Township.

Human Impact: There was one confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in Blair County during the 2025 season.

Prevention and Control Efforts

The program focuses on eliminating breeding sites and treating water where elimination is not possible.

Larval Control:

  • Events Conducted: 30 larval control events.
  • Public Action: Countless buckets and tires were overturned by residents.

Adult Control:

  • Complaints Received: 13 mosquito-related complaints.
  • Events Conducted: 5 adult control events were warranted and executed.
    • One event was a large-scale truck-mounted ULV spray in Hollidaysburg Borough and Blair Township.

Public Action Items

Residents are encouraged to participate in vector management by taking the following steps:

  • Reduce standing and stagnant water.
  • Keep grass cut short.
  • Fill in low-lying areas.
  • Empty artificial containers and tires.

For the latest information on mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, residents are directed to the PA DEP website.

← Back to Documents