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.
Showing posts with label West Nile virus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label West Nile virus. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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.
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.
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