BLOG UPDATES WILL BE LIMITED IN 2010

Due to staff reductions in 2010 the Environmental Health blog will be update on a limited basis only. Environmental Health Staff are still available Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, to answer any questions you may have, simply contact us at (360) 249-4413.

West Nile virus found early in western Washington this year

Mason County crow tests positive for the virus

OLYMPIA / A crow collected in Mason County has tested positive for West Nile virus — the first detection of the virus in western Washington this year.

The discovery in late July comes more than a month earlier than last year’s first appearance of the virus west of Cascades, which occurred in September. This early appearance may indicate greater West Nile virus activity as summer progresses.

It also means a greater risk for people to become infected if they don’t take precautions. Avoid mosquito bites, stay indoors at dawn and dusk if possible, and use repellent. Standing water can become mosquito habitat, so don’t let water collect without being freshened.

Other West Nile virus detections this week include five more birds from Benton County. The virus has also been detected in three horses and 161 mosquito samples in eastern Washington counties: Adams, Grant, Benton, Kittitas, and Yakima. Statewide this year, seven birds have tested positive among 47 tested overall.

In people, mild symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches. A few people may develop severe symptoms that include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma. In rare cases, it can be fatal.

For more information, see the West Nile virus (www.doh.wa.gov/wnv) Web site.

State veterinarian urges horse owners to vaccinate against West Nile virus

Washington tops U.S. in 2008 with 41 horses testing positive for the virus

OLYMPIA — Horse owners should take advantage of the availability of vaccines to prevent West Nile virus—a potentially fatal disease in horses—particularly since Washington led the nation last year with 41 horses testing positive for the disease.

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird. The disease can sicken people, horses, many types of birds and other animals. It is not spread from horses to other animals.

WNV cases were confirmed last year for 26 horses in Yakima County; 10 horses in Grant County; four horses in Benton County; and one horse in Kittitas County. In previous years, WNV horse cases have been detected in Western Washington as well.

Although the first confirmed case of WNV in a horse last year wasn't reported until Aug. 1, there is no guarantee it will take that long for it to show up this year, according to State Veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge.

"Nearly all of horses that acquired West Nile virus last year did not have current vaccinations," Eldridge said. "It's a shame that unvaccinated horses continue to be one of our best sources warning that the virus is active in a local community."

Eldridge said that older, sick or weak horses have less chance of survival if infected. WNV is fatal in about one-third of all horses that show clinical signs, although most horses do not become ill and show no symptoms at all. Those that do become ill display loss of coordination, loss of appetite, confusion, fever, stiffness and muscle weakness, particularly in the hindquarters.

"Vaccinating your horse or getting the proper booster shots is the best way to help protect your animal and prevent greater expense from treating your horse after the disease is acquired," Eldridge said. "A spring dose of vaccine, even in previously vaccinated horses, is necessary to maintain protective immunity in most horses."

Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians for vaccination recommendations and WNV control measures. The vaccine requires two doses the first year of vaccination two to four weeks apart. Immunity will not be achieved until three to five weeks after the second vaccination, so it's important to avoid waiting until mosquito season is in full swing. An annual booster dose should be administered prior to the start of the mosquito season.

The state veterinarian also recommends that horse owners take measures to reduce mosquito populations. Precautions include removing standing water from yards and barns and changing water in troughs or bird baths that could be a source of mosquito breeding.

Veterinarians who learn of potential WNV cases in horses or other animals should contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (360) 902-1881.

State and local health, mosquito control districts, other state agencies and volunteers work together on environmental monitoring and prevention measures for the virus. Additional information on WNV can be found at the state Department of Health Web site at www.doh.wa.gov/WNV.

Note: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service maintains a Web site showing West Nile virus distribution maps, 1999 - 2008.. Annual trends in U.S. distribution of equine West Nile virus cases.

Enjoy the Water but Be Safe

2009 National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week: Focus on Preventing Pool Chemical Injuries

Grays Harbor County, Division of Environmental Health – The week before Memorial Day (May 18–24, 2009) has been designated as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week. The goal of this observance is to raise awareness about healthy swimming behaviors, including ways to prevent recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and injuries. RWIs are illnesses spread by swallowing, breathing in vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, spas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. Injuries at aquatics facilities can occur in or out of the water.

This year’s RWI Prevention Week theme: pool chemical injuries

The theme for this year’s RWI Prevention Week focuses on injuries associated with pool chemicals. Pool chemicals make the water where we swim safer by protecting us from germs; however, these same chemicals can also cause injuries if they are not properly handled. This type of preventable injury leads to thousands of emergency room visits each year. Public pool operators and residential pool owners can protect themselves and swimmers by taking these key steps:

· ALWAYS secure pool chemicals: Keep children and animals away.

· ALWAYS read product name and manufacturer’s directions before each use.

· ALWAYS use appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when handling pool chemicals.

· NEVER mix chlorine products with each other, acid, or other substances.

To access a complete set of prevention recommendations, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/pool_chem_assoc_inj.pdf.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

The best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the first place. Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these six healthy swimming steps:

• PLEASE don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• PLEASE don’t swallow pool water.
• PLEASE practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• PLEASE wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

For more information about healthy swimming, visit:

· [State] Healthy Swimming website at [state healthy swimming website URL] or www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/state.htm

· CDC’s Healthy Swimming website at www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming

· The Environmental Protection Agency’s beaches website www.epa.gov/beaches

Eric B. Khambatta
Environmental Health Specialist II
Grays Harbor County Department of Public Services
Environmental Health Division
100 W Broadway, Suite 31
Montesano WA 98563
Ph: 360.249.4413
Fax:360.249.3203