West Nile virus found in Grant County mosquitoes

MOSES LAKE – Grant County Mosquito Control District #1 has reported that a mosquito sample collected last week from within their district has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first detection of the virus in Grant County, as well as Washington State this 2018 season. District #1 covers the greater Moses Lake area, including the Moses Lake Sand Dunes and Potholes. For more information about District #1 and to see the exact boundaries, visit their website: http://www.gcmcd1.org/.

In 2017, eight people were diagnosed with West Nile virus disease from mosquitoes in eastern Washington and five additional residents were infected outside the state. No cases were reported from Grant County, although the virus was found in 14 mosquito samples here. Complete surveillance data can be found on the State Department of Health website.

There have not been any human or other animal cases reported yet this year, however, detection of WNV in the mosquito population means there is a potential for spread of the virus to humans and other vulnerable species. “WNV is back again so if you haven’t already been taking the necessary steps to prevent mosquito bites, now is the time to start,” said Amber McCoy, Environmental Health Specialist, Grant County Health District.

The virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of getting West Nile virus is low, but anyone can become infected. People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of serious illness. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not get sick. About one in five people infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. Even fewer, about one in 150 people infected, will have more severe symptoms including encephalitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a possible West Nile virus infection, especially if you recently had mosquito bites. Severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and coma.

It is important to protect yourself by avoiding mosquitoes. Take these steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the places where mosquitoes live and breed around your home:

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

· Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as wetlands or wooded areas.

· Use mosquito repellent. Read the label and carefully follow instructions. Take special care when using repellent on children. Mosquito repellents that contain the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work best.

· Make sure windows and doors are “bug tight” and repair or replace screens as needed.

·Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around your home by emptying or discarding anything that holds standing water, e.g. bottles, cans, old tires, buckets, plastic covers and toys. Change water in birdbaths, fountains, kiddie pools and animal troughs at least twice each week. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Fix leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.

Other species at risk for West Nile virus infection are birds and horses. Certain wild birds including crows, ravens, magpies, jays and raptors are especially vulnerable. Sightings of these types of dead birds could be an indication of the virus. You can report dead birds to Grant County Health District at 509-766-7960 ext. 14. Horses are also especially vulnerable to West Nile, and many of those infected die or have to be euthanized. Horse owners are urged to vaccinate their horses and keep those vaccinations up to date. There is no human vaccine to protect against West Nile virus.

For more information about West Nile Virus in Washington state, visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/WestNileVirus