Kennewick, Washington – The Western Nile Virus was detected on the Columbia river in Kennewick. Although no human case has been reported this year to Washington, the Benton-Franklin Health District now urges everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The control of the Mosquitoes of the County of Benton found the virus in three pools of mosquitoes taken in Kennewick by the Mosquito control district of Benton County.
Infection by the Western Nile virus has symptoms only in approximately one in five infected. Common symptoms may include a fever, headache or body pain.
However, the virus can also be serious and can cause encephalitis, meningitis or other complications in one of the 150 cases. People with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney diseases are more at risk of serious illnesses, according to the Benton-Franklin health district.
There is no current vaccine to prevent human disease.
However, there are safety steps to reduce risk.
The Benton-Franklin County Health District suggests emptying stagnant water sources around your home so that mosquitoes do not grow. More specifically, buckets, tires, containers and other small stagnant water sources.
In addition, they advised to stay inside during twilight and dawn, using a repulsive mosquitoes, wearing light clothes that freely cover the arms and legs and ensuring that doors and windows have closely adjusted screens.
The Benton-Franklin health district will monitor the virus until mosquitoes dissipate, which tend to be at the end of September.
