Small Town News

You can prevent West Nile virus

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Spring is here and many Washingtonians are gardening, hiking and heading outdoors for fun. It's also time to start thinking about West Nile virus prevention. The easiest and best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Last year was Washington's most active year for West Nile virus -- 38 human illness cases were identified. The first death in Washington from the virus was also reported in a Yakima County resident.

"The warm, wet spring season in our state marks the start of mosquito-breeding season, so it's vital to get rid of the habitat mosquitoes favor around your home," Gregg Grunenfelder, assistant secretary for the Department of Health said. "A good early season strategy is to reduce mosquito breeding habitat before the bugs get started."

You can avoid mosquito bites in two primary ways -- habitat reduction and personal prevention. Keep mosquito populations lower by getting rid of water that collects in old flower pots, waste tires or cans and keep fresh water in bird baths, pet dishes and stock troughs. Simple personal protection steps will make it harder for mosquitoes to bite you.

Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants and hats in mosquito-infested areas; use an effective repellent on exposed skin. Make sure screens fit tight.

West Nile virus was detected in 72 horses, 22 dead birds, one dog and 346 mosquito samples in the state in 2009. Half of all the horses infected died or were euthanized. There is a vaccine for horses; contact a veterinarian for more details (www.agr.wa.gov/News/2010/10-07.aspx).

The virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito won't have any symptoms.

The virus is most dangerous for people with weak immune systems and those older than 50.

In some cases, people may develop meningitis or encephalitis; some neurological effects can be permanent.

Monitoring for the virus--including dead bird and mosquito testing--resumes this spring.

People can report dead birds (www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/reportdeadbird.html) using the agency's dead bird reporting system or by contacting their local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm).

More information about West Nile virus is available by calling the information line at 1-866-788-4787.



Copyright 2010 The Othello Outlook, Othello, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 The Othello Outlook Othello, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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