KENNEWICK, Wash. – The West Nile Virus has been detected on the Columbia River in Kennewick. Although no human cases have been reported this year in Washington, the Benton-Franklin Health District is now urging everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Benton County Mosquito Control found the virus in three mosquito pools taken in Kennewick by the Benton County Mosquito Control District.
The West Nile virus infection only presents symptoms in about one in five people infected. Common symptoms can include a fever, headache or body aches.
However, the virus can also be serious and can result in encephalitis, meningitis or other complications in one out of 150 cases. People with certain medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease are at greater risk for serious illness, according to the Benton-Franklin Health District.
There is no current vaccine to prevent human illness.
However, there are safety steps to reduce risk.
Benton-Franklin County Health District suggests draining sources of standing water around your home so that mosquitos do not grow. Specifically, buckets, tires, containers and other small, stagnant water sources.
Additionally, they advised staying indoors during dusk and dawn, using mosquito repellent, wearing light-colored clothes that loosely covers arms and legs and making sure that doors and windows have tightly fitting screens.
The Benton-Franklin Health District will monitor for the virus until mosquitos dissipate, which tends to be in late September.
