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West Nile virus found in Yakima County earlier than usual

By Yakima Herald-Republic (TNS)
Published: June 4, 2016, 3:56pm

YAKIMA — For the first time this year, mosquitoes in Yakima County have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the state Department of Health.

Aerial foggers will spray mosquito-killing insecticides over sewage lagoons near Grandview tonight after the first mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were detected there weeks earlier than usual.

“We find West Nile virus every year. The question is when,” said Angela Beehler, manager of the Benton County Mosquito Control District.

The district detected the virus in mosquitoes trapped near Grandview’s sewage lagoons on the Yakima side of the Benton-Yakima county line.

Beehler said a carbon dioxide trap designed to mimic a human being captured a staggering 2,800 insects. Anything over 500 is considered high.

This is the first sign of the virus this year in Washington, according to the department. Last year, the department reported finding the virus in mosquitoes from five counties: Benton, Franklin, Grant, Walla Walla and Yakima.

Two of the state’s 24 human cases reported in 2015 were in Yakima County.

The Department of Health said the virus is likely a permanent fixture in the region, and it advises people to make a habit of limiting their chance of mosquito bites.

Hot temperatures coupled with a permanent water and food source at the sewage lagoons conspired to drive up the presence of the Celux genus of mosquito, which carries the virus.

The district increased the concentration of insecticides targeting both larvae and adults. Today’s fogging mission will cost nearly $49,000, including the insecticide and pilot time.

It’s expensive, but Beehler said it pales in comparison to the cost to treat West Nile virus – about $37,000 per case.

“How many potential exposures do you prevent?” she asked.

The area is not typically inhabited by humans, but it is well-traveled by birds. The Celux mosquito prefers feeding on birds to humans and can infest birds, which can then fly into more populated areas where they can infect additional mosquitoes.

Though they prefer birds, the mosquitoes will feed on humans or horses if they’re convenient.

Early appearance of West Nile Virus doesn’t suggest the mosquito season will end early. Typically, peak human exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses happens in the second week of August.

“This just makes it longer,” she said.

Last year, two dozen people in Washington were reported with West Nile virus disease and one person died as a result of the infection. Last year’s season represented the most cases reported since 2009.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. About 1 in 5 people will develop a fever or other symptoms that go away without getting medical treatment. However, for a small number of people, the disease can be very serious and lead to permanent neurologic effects or death. People over age 60 are at increased risk for severe disease; so are people with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.

To prevent bites the health department recommends the following:

. Use an effective, Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent.

. Cover up. When the weather allows, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.

. Avoid mosquitoes. Many mosquitoes, including the type that carry West Nile virus, bite between dusk and dawn. Be especially sure to use repellent and protective clothing.

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