Luzerne County Sees Surge in Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus

The presence of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus has significantly increased in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Researchers from the Luzerne Conservation District’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program reported finding 89 traps containing mosquitoes testing positive for the virus this year. This figure marks an increase of three traps compared to last year and represents a remarkable 78% rise over the average number of positive traps identified in the previous four years.

In addition to the West Nile virus, the program also detected six traps with mosquitoes infected with the Jamestown Canyon virus. This virus was first documented in Pennsylvania in 2023, with its initial discovery occurring in Luzerne County itself. According to Deputy Director Keith George, the increase in findings reflects both the growing mosquito populations and environmental conditions favorable to their breeding.

Impact and Risks of Mosquito-Borne Viruses

West Nile virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Although many infections are asymptomatic, severe cases can lead to neurological illnesses that may be fatal. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that over the past decade, there have been more than 59,000 reported human infections and around 2,900 deaths associated with the virus across the country.

Similarly, while most cases of the Jamestown Canyon virus are also asymptomatic, it can cause serious conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis. The CDC has recorded 336 human cases of this virus in the U.S. since its identification, with 12 fatalities.

Environmental Factors Contributing to Mosquito Population Growth

The report attributes the rise in mosquito populations to early rainfall in early 2025, followed by a hot and dry summer. These weather patterns likely resulted in larger populations of floodwater mosquitoes from late May through August, leading to a higher incidence of both the West Nile and Jamestown Canyon viruses.

To monitor mosquito populations, the Mosquito-Borne Disease Control team deploys traps in areas with higher human densities and known mosquito hotspots. The program employs two types of traps throughout the mosquito season, which spans from spring to fall.

The first type, known as gravid traps, targets mosquitoes that have already fed and are searching for breeding sites. These traps utilize a mixture referred to as “stink water” to attract mosquitoes, which are then collected using a battery-operated fan. The second type of trap, host-seeking traps, lures mosquitoes looking for a blood meal using carbon dioxide produced from dry ice.

After collection, the mosquitoes are sent to a laboratory in Harrisburg for disease testing. The lab analyzes samples from groups of mosquitoes rather than individual specimens, allowing for efficient monitoring of infection rates.

In 2024, traps confirmed the presence of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus in various locations including Duryea, Edwardsville, Exeter, and Wilkes-Barre, among others. The Jamestown Canyon virus was detected in areas such as Edwardsville and Kingston.

George highlighted that the current year has seen a higher number of infected traps in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and other boroughs compared to historical data. He suggested that the proliferation of low-vegetation flood basins and stormwater basins may be contributing to increased mosquito breeding sites.

Addressing the Breeding Grounds

The presence of abandoned tires, appliances, and other items that can collect water also offers breeding sites for mosquitoes. Luzerne County has a history of illegal dumping, which not only creates unsightly conditions but also poses risks to public health by serving as breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is collaborating with the conservation district to address these dumping sites. Plans for upcoming cleanups are expected to be announced soon, aiming to mitigate the environmental impacts of such waste.

With the increasing incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, the Luzerne Conservation District continues its efforts to monitor and control mosquito populations, ensuring public safety while addressing the underlying environmental issues contributing to the problem.