Mosquitoes in the region tested positive for West Nile

BENTON COUNTY, Washington – It's summer! While this means barbecues and outdoor fun, it also means mosquito season.

This week, mosquito control in Benton County found a group of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. This does not mean that we can not spend time outside; "Some people think that mosquitoes love them, they may be right," said Dr. Amy Person, health officer of the Benton-Franklin County Health District.

Disease-carrying mosquitoes like West Nile virus love a hot, dry climate like ours in Tri-Cities

"We treat West Nile virus every year, so it's a routine with us at the beginning of the season, "said Angela Beehler, Benton County Mosquito Control District Manager," We start looking in February and then most of our crews arrive in April. "

Mosquito Control of Benton County traps and tests groups of mosquitoes for West Nile virus

"Once we see mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus, it will be a concern until we get there at our first hard freeze, said Person.

Mosquito Control stated that positive mosquitoes were found in West Richland, but they warn

"West Nile virus is now active in the region for this season, so mosquitoes transmit the virus to birds and that the birds will carry it from one place to another, said Beehler. "Beehler said the vaccine is available for horses, but that there is no Available vaccine for humans.

"We just want to make sure people are aware that it is here. Take your precautions. Wear a mosquito repellent, long sleeves, long pants, loose clothing and empty stagnant water around their property, all of these things are really important, "said Beehler. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus will have severe symptoms, but it is still important to take precautions at this time of the year.