MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES
Mosquitoes can pose a serious health threat to people as they can carry more than one disease at a time. Diseases can be spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Over 40 different mosquito species can be found in Washington, and many are vectors for diseases, such as West Nile virus, western equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis.
WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED
Benton County Mosquito Control (BCMC) has detected the West Nile virus in multiple samples in Benton County, with the first samples this year in Yakima County. The Mosquito Control District routinely sets traps to monitor mosquito populations and test for mosquito-borne illnesses. When there is a positive mosquito sample, the BCMC informs Benton-Franklin Health so we can continue to monitor and share important information with the public and health providers.
LATEST DATA: 2023 WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY
(Learn More: West Nile Virus Activity (wa.gov))
ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS
Most people infected with West Nile virus will not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected with the virus will develop a fever and other symptoms such as a headache or body aches. However, West Nile virus infection can be serious, resulting in encephalitis, meningitis, or other complications in about one out of 150 cases. In some cases, it can be fatal. People with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, are at greater risk for serious illness.
West Nile virus primarily causes infections in birds but can spread to people and other animals through mosquito bites. While a vaccine is available for horses, there is no current vaccine to prevent human illness.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WNV VACCINE FOR HORSES
West Nile Virus and Horses | BCMCD (mosquitocontrol.org)
PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES
- Drain sources of standing water around your home each week, so mosquitoes do not grow. The mosquitoes most likely to spread West Nile virus prefer to breed in water found in containers, tires, buckets, and other small sources of stagnant water.
- If possible, stay indoors during prime mosquito-biting times: dusk and dawn. We recommend being cautious during the afternoon as well when the temperatures rise. Mosquitoes do the same as you seek cool locations to escape the heat.
- If going outside, use an EPA-approved insect repellent. Approved mosquito repellents have ingredients that include DEET, picaridin, PMD, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to read and follow the label directions.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Windows and doors without screens should be kept shut, especially at night.
- Dress with long sleeves, pants, and a hat when mosquitoes are present.
The Benton-Franklin Health District works with local mosquito control districts and other partners to help monitor for the virus. West Nile virus infection risk will be high until mosquitoes dissipate, typically in late September.
MORE INFORMATION