West Nile virus found in Benton County. 1st infected mosquitoes detected

The West Nile virus has been found for the first time this year in Benton County.

“The virus is currently active in our region and the risk of human illness is here,” said Rick Dawson, a senior manager of the Benton Franklin Health District.

Cases have not been diagnosed in people this year, but they have been found in mosquitoes in the Mid-Columbia.

Infected mosquitoes were recently found in mosquitoes collected near Grandview. They also were found nearby in Yakima County at the end of June.

The virus is primarily found in birds but it can spread to people, horses and other animals through mosquito bites.

Last year, four people in Benton County were known to be infected with the virus and one horse in Franklin County.

About 80% of people who are infected have no symptoms. But about 1 in 150 people develop a severe and sometimes fatal illness that can include inflammation of the brain and the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

West Nile can be prevented by staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most likely to be biting. If you go outside use an EPA-approved insect repellent and if mosquitoes are present, wear long sleeves, pants and a hat.

To prevent mosquitoes, drain outdoor containers, tires, buckets and other objects that might hold standing water.

The Benton County Mosquito Control district has been spraying for mosquitoes by truck and plane this month. Its spraying schedule is posted at mosquitocontrol.org/fogging.