Human West Nile case tied to Grant County mosquitoes

A Pierce County woman in her 30s who recently spent time in Grant County has been confirmed as having West Nile virus. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has investigated the case and determined that the individual was likely exposed to the infected mosquitoes during her stay in Grant County.

So far this year, there have been four other human cases in Washington; two of those cases were exposed in-state in Walla Walla and Benton counties, the two other cases were exposed while traveling out of the state. The virus causing West Nile disease has been detected in 26 mosquito samples from Grant County so far this year.

West Nile virus is a bird illness that can spread to people and other animals through mosquito bites. The best way to prevent West Nile virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

The Grant County Health District advises residents to take the following steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

n Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

n Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as wetlands or woods.

n Use mosquito repellant when necessary. Read the label and carefully follow instructions. Take special care when using repellent on children. Mosquito repellents with the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work best for protection against mosquitoes.

The Health District also advises residents to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their homes by:

n Emptying or discarding anything that holds standing water— bottles, cans, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, and toys.

n Changing water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, and animal troughs at least twice each week.

n Making sure roof gutters drain properly; cleaning clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

n Fixing leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.

In addition to mosquito surveillance by Grant County Mosquito Control District #1, there is ongoing surveillance of the virus in dead birds. You can report a dead bird online at http://www.granthealth.org/westnilevirus.html or by calling the Grant County Health District at (509) 754-6060. Grant County Mosquito Control District #1 can be contacted at (509) 765-7731.