KENNEWICK , WA —Benton County Mosquito Control District has confirmed the first West
Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquito pool detection in Benton County as of this year. WNV
was detected in three mosquito pools collected in Kennewick by the Benton County
Mosquito Control District. No human or animal cases have been detected in WA this
year, but the Benton-Franklin Health District urges everyone to take precautions to avoid
mosquito bites.
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. Instead, people must take steps to help
prevent infection.
Safety Steps Include:
• 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.
• 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.
• When going into areas with mosquitoes, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
that covers your arms and legs, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a hat.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair any holes in
the screens. Windows and doors without screens should be kept shut, especially
at night.
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 late September.