West Nile Virus (WNv)

MOSQUITOES IN FRANKLIN AND YAKIMA COUNTIES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS (June-August 2012); Grandview horse with WNv euthanized; NO proven HUMAN CASES in Washington State but some patients with suspected WNv undergoing tests

To track results of mosquito surveillance, go here:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/DiseasesandChronicConditions/WestNileVirus.aspx

Thirty-eight (38) known human cases and one death from WNv in WA in 2009; two human cases in 2010; none in 2011. Prevent mosquito bites this year!   

An extended rainy season means more mosquitoes, and more mosquitoes means a potentially greater chance of WNv in people this year.

What is WNv? It is a viral illness transmitted from birds, horses and other people by way of mosquitoes. While most (>95%) infected people have mild or no symptoms, a small percentage develop fever, headache, rash, and more. An even smaller percentage develop serious illness, including encephalitis---inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal or result in lingering or permanent neurological (brain and nerve) damage. There is no treatment for the illness, only prevention.

There are many things you can do to prevent getting this illness:

• Help reduce mosquito numbers---don't let collections of water stand for more than a day (bird baths; old tires; wheelbarrows; etc);
• Wear long-sleeves and pants during main "biting hours" (when it starts to cool in the evening and sometimes even while it's still cool in the morning); 
• Use repellent that contains DEET, IR3535 or picaridin on exposed skin and even on your clothes (Permethrin-containing repellent can be used on clothes only.);
• Make sure your window screens are in good repair--- the irritating whine of an approaching mosquito in the middle of the night can ruin your sleep;
• Call mosquito control and let them know if you have more mosquitoes in your yard than you think you should have (particularly if you live near a wetland or river);
• Report dead birds to Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD).

See your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and skin rash on chest, stomach or back IF you've been recently bitten by mosquitoes.

For more information. some useful websites are: CDC   WA DOH And for information on preventing WNv at the workplace, go HERE.