West Nile Virus Reaches Washington State

October 2, 2002

The state's first case of West Nile virus has been detected in a dead raven found near Newport in Eastern Washington, state officials announced Wednesday.

The state's West Nile advice

* Be cautious during outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

* Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.

* Use mosquito repellents containing DEET; follow the directions on the container.

* Screen all doors and windows.

* Get rid of old tires and other containers around your home where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"West Nile virus is moving west and has already been detected in other western states, so we have been expecting it to arrive in Washington," said Jack Lilja, West Nile virus surveillance program manager with the state Health Department. "We have a good surveillance system in place, and it worked."

The case was confirmed by the National Wildlife Health Center Laboratory in Madison, Wis., health officials said in a news release.

"The risk of West Nile illness is low, and taking precautions to protect against mosquito bites can help you reduce that risk," Lilja said in the news release

West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. There have been no human or horse cases of West Nile virus reported in Washington. Nationwide, 43 states have detected the virus and 2,477 confirmed human cases have been reported.

Most people who become infected with West Nile virus don't get sick. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms, and in rare cases, the virus might cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

More information on West Nile virus is available on the Department of Health Web site. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site also has information.

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