Luzerne County Reports Surge in Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus

Research conducted in Luzerne County has revealed a significant increase in the number of mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus. Data from the Luzerne Conservation District’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Control Program indicates that a total of 89 traps containing infected mosquitoes were recorded this year. This figure marks an increase of three traps compared to last year and represents a striking 78% increase over the average number of positive traps identified in the previous four years.

The report, featured in the district’s quarterly newsletter, also highlighted the discovery of six traps with mosquitoes infected with the Jamestown Canyon virus. This virus was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2023 and was initially discovered in Luzerne County. According to Keith George, Deputy Director of the Luzerne Conservation District, the state Department of Environmental Protection began monitoring for this virus last year.

Understanding the Risks of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

While most cases of West Nile virus are asymptomatic, some infections can lead to severe neurological illnesses, potentially resulting in death. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that since 2011, there have been over 59,000 human infections and approximately 2,900 deaths linked to West Nile virus across the United States. In contrast, there have been 336 reported cases of Jamestown Canyon virus during the same period, with 12 fatalities.

The uptick in mosquito populations is believed to be influenced by early, heavy rainfall in 2025 followed by a hot, dry summer. These weather conditions likely contributed to an increase in floodwater mosquitoes, which thrived from late May through August. George noted that the Mosquito-Borne Disease Control team strategically places traps in areas with high human densities and known mosquito hotspots.

To monitor mosquito populations, the team employs two types of traps throughout the mosquito season, which runs from spring to fall. The first type, known as gravid traps, captures mosquitoes that have already fed and are seeking to lay eggs. These traps utilize a mixture referred to as “stink water” to attract mosquitoes and employ a fan mechanism to collect them. The second type, host-seeking traps, attracts mosquitoes looking for a blood meal using carbon dioxide from dry ice.

Challenges of Mosquito Breeding Grounds

This year, traps with West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes were located in various municipalities, including Duryea, Edwardsville, Exeter, Forty Fort, Kingston, and several others. Additionally, traps containing mosquitoes infected with Jamestown Canyon virus were found in Edwardsville, Kingston, Wyoming, and surrounding townships.

George mentioned that an increasing number of low-vegetation flood basins may serve as potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Natural predators such as dragonflies and frogs can sometimes be found in these habitats, but illegal dumping of tires and trash in Luzerne County poses a significant threat. Such debris not only creates an unsightly environment but also fosters conditions that promote mosquito breeding.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation has been collaborating with the conservation district to address the issue of illegal dumping and is expected to announce upcoming cleanup initiatives soon. This effort aims to mitigate the impact of waste on wildlife and public health by reducing the habitats for disease-carrying mosquitoes.

As Luzerne County continues to monitor mosquito populations and related diseases, the focus remains on protecting public health and addressing environmental concerns associated with mosquito breeding grounds.