OLYMPIA
Four dead birds — three from Yakima County and one from Benton County — have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first birds to test positive in our state this year.
The two crows and two magpies were collected last month and sent to Washington State University for testing. Along with these birds the virus has been detected in 12 horses and 22 mosquito pools in Yakima, Benton, and Grant counties this year.
“This is just more evidence that West Nile virus is here in our state,” said Gregg Grunenfelder, assistant secretary for the agency’s environmental health division. “Now more than ever, people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and limit mosquito habitats around their homes.”
West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other hosts. The crows and magpies were collected and submitted by Yakima and Benton-Franklin Health Districts as part of the state’s West Nile virus monitoring program. This season nearly 60 dead birds have been tested statewide. People are encouraged to continue reporting dead birds, especially crows, jays, magpies, and ravens, to local health agencies for possible collection and testing.
“Testing for West Nile virus in dead birds, mosquitoes, and horses shows where the disease is active,” said Liz Dykstra, public health entomologist for the state health department. “With the results we’re seeing this year, it’s clear that West Nile virus is very active in the middle of our state.”
People should avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, ensure door and window screens are working, and use a mosquito repellent when necessary. Always follow label directions when using repellents.
It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Emptying water from old tires; turning over old buckets or cans; and frequently changing water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.
West Nile virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. There’s no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection.
More information on West Nile virus (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) is on the Department of Health Web site. Contact your local health department (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) with questions about West Nile virus monitoring in your community.
To report a dead bird in Grays Harbor County call the Public Health and Social Services message line at (360) 532-8631 and use extension 410. You may report a complaint about mosquitoes by calling Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.
