West Nile Prevention

WALLA WALLA – West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitos in Yakima and Umatilla counties, according to a release by the Walla Walla County Health Department. In the past three years Walla Walla County has seen four human cases of West Nile reported to the health department.

The health departments says that 80 percent of people who become infected experience no symptoms and become immune. The other 20 percent will exhibit symptoms such as a low grade fever, rash, mild headache, muscle aches, joint pains, and other low-grade symptoms.

Less than one percent will develop severe disease with a brain infection. There is no treatment for West Nile virus and the health department recommends taking measures to prevent infection. These include:

Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.

Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks outdoors. Spraying clothes with repellent will give added protection.

Take extra care during the dusk-to-dawn hours or avoid outdoor activities during these tiems.

Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.

Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths, etc. on a regular basis.

Learn more at http://www.cdd.gov/westnile/