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KENNEWICK, WA – Mosquitoes recently caught in Benton County have been tested positive for West Nile virus.
According to Dr. Amy Person of the Benton-Franklin Health District, "Reports on the activity of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes remind us that each of us must take steps to prevent mosquito bites." . long season to prevent the virus disease this year. "
No human cases have been identified in Benton and Franklin counties until this year. "The virus is currently active in our area and the risk of human illness is present and, through careful planning and efforts, West Nile virus infection can often be avoided," said Rick Dawson. , Senior Director of Surveillance and Investigations.
Mainly causing infections in birds, West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans and other animals through mosquito bites. While a vaccine is available for horses, there is no current vaccine to prevent the disease in people. Instead, people must "fight the bite" to help prevent the infection.
Security measures include:
- Drain the stagnant water sources around your house each week so that the mosquitoes do not grow. Mosquitoes most likely to spread West Nile virus prefer to breed in water contained in containers, tires, buckets and other small sources of stagnant water.
- If possible, stay indoors during periods of mosquito bites: dusk and dawn.
- If you go outside, use an insect repellent approved by the EPA. The approved mosquito repellents have ingredients that include DEET, picaridine, PMD, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the label.
- Make sure the doors and windows have well-fitting screens. Windows and doors without screens must be closed, especially at night.
- Dress with long sleeves, pants and a hat when mosquitoes are present.
The risk of infection with West Nile virus will be high until mosquitoes disappear after the first hard frost. To track the virus in the Pacific Northwest or for additional information, visit the DOH website at https://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/DiseasesandChronicConditions/WestNileVirus.
The Benton-Franklin Heath District works with local mosquito control districts and other partners to help monitor the virus. Due to the known activity of West Nile Virus in the area, birds will no longer be collected for testing for the virus by the Benton-Franklin Health District.
sYMPTOMS
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected have no symptoms, but it is estimated that two out of 10 people infected with the virus show symptoms 3-4 days after the mosquito bite.
The disease caused by West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache, body aches, and possibly rash. However, a serious disease that affects the nervous system, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are also possible. Serious illness can occur in people of all ages; However, people over 50 or people with weakened immune systems (eg, transplant patients) are at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill when infected with West Nile virus. Anyone with symptoms is encouraged to contact their health care provider.
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