Department of Health: Help Prevent Spread of West Nile Virus

Plenty of recent rain, coupled with expected high temps over the next week, could make for an explosion of mosquitoes in our area, and the West Nile virus season has begun.

The Washington state Department of Health said that the first positive results for the virus were received recently in Yakima County--a month earlier than in previous years--and again asks people to both report dead birds and to take steps to reduce the mosquito population around homes. Doing so can help the department track the virus and reduce the risk of human infection.

“Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing infection and possible illness,” said Maryanne Guichard, assistant secretary of Environmental Public Health. “Many people will be outdoors now with the warmer weather, so it’s important to take steps to prevent West Nile virus.”

Why is it important to prevent infection? Most people bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus won’t become ill, yet some may have mild symptoms including headache and fever that go away without treatment. For some people, West Nile virus infection can be very serious, and even fatal. Severe disease can include meningitis or encephalitis. Some neurological effects of the disease may be permanent. People over 50 and those with weak immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.

Some things you can do to reduce risk for yourself and the community:

Use bug repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk. People who spend time outdoors should use bug repellent with DEET, picaridin, or IR 3535; some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. Wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts when outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active is another helpful strategy.

Don't provide a "breeding ground" for mosquitoes. Getting rid of standing or stagnant water from cans, flower pots, buckets, and other containers reduces mosquito habitat around homes and businesses where mosquitoes can breed. Changing water in birdbaths, wading pools, and pet dishes at least twice a week will discourage them from taking up residence. Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight,” or replace them.

Report dead birds to help authorities track the virus. Washington residents are encouraged to use the Department of Health’s online reporting system to report dead birds. Often, dead birds are the first sign that West Nile virus is circulating in a community.

Information from the Department of Health website (www.doh.wa.gov). Also, find the department on Facebookand follow it on Twitter.