West Nile virus found in Walla Walla County mosquitoes
By Dan Thesman on Friday, July 2nd, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories More Top Stories
BURBANK – The Washington State Department of Health reminds residents to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water where mosquitoes may breed as West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes from Burbank.
According to the DOH, this is the first confirmed detection on West Nile virus in the state this year. Last year, two people were reported to have been infected with West Nile virus in Washington. Most people infected with the virus do not get sick. About one in five will develop a fever or other symptoms that go away with medical treatment.
For a small number of people, infection with West Nile virus can lead to permanent neurologic effects or death. People over age 60 and those with certain medical conditions are most at risk of severe disease.
People can protect themselves against mosquito bites by using an effective, EPA-registered insect repellant; limit time outside from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active; and eliminate mosquito-breeding areas by disposing of standing water from such things as flowerpots, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths.
