So far this year, Pennsylvania has reported 14 West Nile virus cases in humans, including one death in Philadelphia County and one death in Franklin County.

The Wolf administration, in a news release, asked residents to protect themselves against the dangers of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses.

The release advises people heading outdoors to cover exposed skin, wear light-colored clothing to aid in insect detection, tuck their pants into their socks, and use a federal Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent. Clothing containing permethrin can also repel ticks.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that breed in areas with standing and stagnant water. These areas include urban catch basins, clogged gutters, discarded tires, poorly maintained swimming pools, flowerpots, roof gutters and other containers that hold water. Homeowners can reduce the number of mosquitos nearby by eliminating standing water around the home.

Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, the mosquitoes that transmit the virus are most active at dawn and dusk. To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, homeowners should make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.

The virus can cause a serious neurological infection, including encephalitis and meningitis. Symptoms of these infections include a severe headache, high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, paralysis, possible confusion and disorientation, tremors and even death.