First West Nile death in state

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported that a Yakima County woman in her 70s died from West Nile Virus. It's the first death from the virus within the state.
A total of 31 other state residents have also become sick with West Nile Virus this year. About 25 of those cases were considered severe.
This is the largest number of residents to become ill with the disease in the state. According t DOH, the previous high was three people in 2008.
West Nile is spread by mosquito bite. Most humans have no symptoms, and some have mild, flu-like symptoms. Those over age 50 are most at risk for serious reactions.
Local health officials have advised that people avoid the dusk hours when mosquitoes are active, wear bug spray, wear long sleeves, and eliminate standing water on their property where mosquitoes can breed.