First evidence of West Nile in King County

The state Department of Health reported that a dead bird found in Seattle in August has tested positive for West Nile virus.
Thus far, three birds have tested positive for the virus in Western Washington. A man in Klickitat County caught West Nile, but is recovering. Statewide, the virus has been found in 32 horses, 15 birds and 326 mosquito pools, according to the state Department of Health.
The Snohomish Health District no longer tests for West Nile, after budget cuts last year. Neither Island nor Snohomish County has reported any cases of humans with the virus.
Testing mosquitoes and birds for West Nile virus helps identify the virus' presence in a community prior to an outbreak, said Allison Cook, state Department of Health public information officer. Public health officials can then alert communities about what they can do to lower their risk of West Nile virus.
Most people who are bitten by a mosquito with West Nile don't become ill, Cook said. Some may experience flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and muscle aches. Adults over age 50 and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk. West Nile can develop into meningitis or encephalitis.
Local public health officials advise people to avoid outdoors in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, cover exposed skin with light material or mosquito repellent, make sure screens fit and remove standing water to limit where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

Part of burn ban lifted

Part of Island County's burn ban was lifted on Friday.
Outdoor burning of natural debris is still not permitted, even with a permit. However, recreational fires in fire pits lined with metal or concrete or in a barbecue or camp stove are now allowed.
As of July 30, Island County had restricted all outdoor burning due to the dry weather.

Updated burn ban information for Island County is available at (360) 391-0362. Property under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Natural Resources should call (360) 856-3500 for information on burn permits.

Council overturns FCC veto

The Snohomish County Council overturned County Executive Aaron Reardon's veto of the elimination of fully-contained communities from the county code this morning.
Reardon had vetoed the ordinance last week.
In a 4-1 vote, with Councilman John Koster dissenting, the council took the code permitting mini-cities in the county off of the books.

For more details, read the Sept. 15 edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS.