First possible human case of West Nile virus in Washington 

11:24 AM PDT on Saturday, July 2, 2005

KING5.com

U.S. Dept. of the Interior

SPOKANE - Health officials have confirmed the first possible human case of West Nile virus in Washington State.

The virus has been found throughout Washington State, but Spokane Regional Health District officials report that lab work has found Washington's first human case in Spokane County.

The virus is a mosquito-borne disease primarily infecting birds, although incidental infections may occur in horses and humans. In rare cases it can be fatal in humans.

Last fall, West Nile Virus was detected in Washington when infection was confirmed in two horses and two dead birds.

The woman who contracted the virus came down with flu-like symptoms and is not in critical condition; she will likely survive.

Further lab analysis is being done by the Washington State Department of Health.

Some of the most common types of mosquitoes in Washington State thrive in urban areas with ample sources of standing water, where these mosquitoes lay their eggs. In ideal conditions, less than one inch of water can yield adult mosquitoes in about one week. Most mosquitoes live for one to two months and have a flight range of up to 2 miles.

Mosquitoes begin to appear when the spring weather becomes consistently warm.

How to protect yourself

Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Wear mosquito repellant, but use insect repellent containing DEET sparingly and follow the instructions on the label carefully, especially for children.

Wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk.

Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when in mosquito-infested areas such as woods or wetlands.

Make sure window and door screens fit tightly and are in good condition.

Reducing mosquito habitat by emptying anything that holds standing water, including discarded tires, buckets, wheelbarrows, plastic covers, tarps, toys and plant saucers.

Clean rain gutters and make sure they drain properly. Rain gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each year.

Empty bird baths, wading pools and animal troughs at least once a week.

Drill holes in the bottom of all containers that are left outside, such as recycling bins and plant saucers.

Aerate ornamental pools and water features. Mosquitoes will not lay eggs in moving water.

Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs.