The state plans to spray more areas of Blair County later this week to help control the spread of the West Nile Virus.
 
Blair County’s Department of Emergency Management tells WRTA News that crews will spray parts of Altoona, Hollidaysburg plus Blair, Logan and Frankstown Townships. Officials say they are using a new product that is designed to quickly kill mosquitoes, which are the primary carrier of the virus.
 
State officials say the number of mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile Virus skyrocketed this year because of the mild winter. The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can have a severe impact on those with a weakened immune system.