The Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection and Health are reporting the confirmation of the first 2016 detections of West Nile Virus from a turkey vulture found in Orrstown, Franklin County, on May 17 and a red-tailed hawk found in Worth Township, Centre County, on May 2.

Certain mosquito species carry the virus, which may cause humans to contract West Nile fever or West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in inflammation of the brain. Last year, West Nile Virus was detected in 56 counties and resulted in 14 human cases, including one fatality.Although most people do not become ill when infected with West Nile Virus, all are at risk. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of becoming ill and developing severe complications.The best defense against West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around homes, weeds, tall grass, shrubbery, and discarded tires.For information about West Nile Virus and the state's surveillance and control program, visit

www.westnile.state.pa.us.