In Eastern Washington, mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been revealed recently, prompting state health officials to recommend that residents take safety measures against the pests. Infected mosquitoes with West Nile virus have been first seen near the Benton-Yakima County, serves as a reminder for people living in and visiting eastern Washington.
Benton-Franklin Health Officer, Dr. Larry Jecha said, “Many local residents know the threat of West Nile virus is here, but we’re concerned that visitors from the west side may not be as aware. Eastern Washington in general, and the south central region in particular, have been the most active for the virus in recent years, and we expect big crowds for the Independence Day weekend. It’s vital that people take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.“
Three groups of mosquitoes from Grant and Yakima counties tested positive for the virus in the past two weeks that signs the start of the West Nile season in the state. When an infected mosquito bites people, they are also contracted to such virus. Birds and horses are also highly susceptible. Generally, the virus surfaces with the onset of warmer weather in the late spring and early summer.
Environmental monitoring for West Nile virus is underway across the state including testing of mosquito samples and dead birds. State health officials emphasize it’s important that people protect themselves on the heels of state’s busiest year for West Nile virus cases.
Gregg Grunenfelder, of the state Department of Health said, “Wear sleeves and long pants, and cover exposed skin with an effective repellent to avoid mosquito bites. This latest detection, coming just days after mosquitoes collected in Grant County tested positive, leaves no doubt that the West Nile virus season is here.”
This week, a second West Nile virus positive mosquito sample from Grant County has also been reported. Whereas there have been no human infections noticed in Washington yet this year. In 2009, there were 38 human infections reported, including one death; all of the human exposures were in eastern Washington or out of state. Also, West Nile virus was also noticed in 22 dead birds, 346 mosquito samples, 72 horses, and one dog last year.
About the dead birds, people can report (www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV) using the state health department’s dead bird reporting system or by contacting their local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm).
West Nile virus infection can be very serious and even fatal for some people. Some people may have chance to develop meningitis or encephalitis; some neurological effects may be permanent. The majority of people, bitten by a mosquito that previously infected with West Nile virus, would not become ill yet some may have mild symptoms including headache and fever that go away without treatment.
People, who have weak immune systems and who have age more than 50, are at higher risk for serious illness.
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