West Nile virus detected in Benton County crows, health officials urge caution
By Dan Thesman on Friday, June 12th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK — West Nile virus has been detected in Benton County for the first time this year, local health and mosquito control officials announced.
The Benton County Mosquito Control District reported that the virus was discovered in four dead crows found in Prosser. While the mosquito-borne virus can cause illness in both humans and animals, officials noted that no human cases from local exposure have been reported in Washington so far this year.
Despite the lack of human cases, the Benton Franklin Health District is urging residents to take immediate precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
According to health officials, most people infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms. However, about 20 percent of those infected will develop a fever alongside headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
The virus can take a far more severe turn in roughly one out of 150 cases, leading to potentially fatal complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. Individuals over the age of 60 face the highest risk of severe disease, as do those with underlying medical conditions affecting the immune system, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.
The virus spreads when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite humans or other animals. While a preventative vaccine exists for horses, there is currently no vaccine available for humans, making personal protection and bite prevention the primary line of defense for residents.
