Benton County woman tests positive for West Nile virus

A Benton County woman in her 70s has West Nile virus — the first human case in the state so far this year.

The woman likely became infected in Benton County, the Benton-Franklin Health District reported Tuesday.

Officials couldn’t release more information about her for privacy reasons.

West Nile is found in birds, and spreads to other animals and people through mosquito bites.

Most people who contract the virus don’t become sick, but about one in five develop a fever and other symptoms, such as fever and body aches. In rare instances, West Nile can be fatal.

Two people in the state, including a Benton County man in his 80s, died last year after West Nile diagnoses. One of those patients was diagnosed last year, and the other was diagnosed in 2009 and had long-lasting effects.

On top of those two fatalities, another 24 people in the state were diagnosed with West Nile virus in 2015.

So far this year, infected mosquitoes have been found in Benton, Franklin, Adams, Grant, Stevens and Yakima counties, and an unvaccinated horse in Yakima County tested positive, the health district said.

Heather Hill, clinic program supervisor for the health district, said “we know (infected) mosquitoes are out there circulating.”

So, “the most important thing you can do is take steps to avoid being bitten,” she said.

That includes draining standing water around the home, securing doors and windows, using an approved insect repellent and wearing long sleeves, pants and a hat when mosquitoes are around, the health district said.

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 10:47 AM with the headline "Benton County woman tests positive for West Nile virus."