OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Health Department says the West Nile virus was found in a mosquito collected Tuesday in Yakima County — the first sign of the disease this year in Washington.
No human cases have been identified this year, but there were two last year, and a 38 people in the state were sickened in 2009 by the virus, which is carried by birds and mosquitoes.
Most people bitten by a mosquito with the virus won’t become ill, but some people with weak immune systems risk serious illness.
The department recommends wearing bug repellant and long pants and long sleeves when outdoors.
