What is West Nile virus?
Since 1937 when the
virus was first discovered in the West Nile district of Uganda, West Nile virus
has been the cause of a number of severe outbreaks. In recent years, the virus
has emerged in Europe and North America posing a threat to both public and
animal health. Rapidly spreading across the United States, the virus has been
detected in 44 states. From the first detection in 1999 through February 28,
2003, there were 4,220 human cases of West Nile virus-related illness in the
United States reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
including 279 fatalities. 
In Washington state,
West Nile virus has been detected in four counties. A raven from Pend
Oreille County, a crow from Snohomish County, and recently two horses from
Island and Whatcom counties tested positive for the virus. There have been no
reports of human cases acquired in the state. The horse cases however
further establish the presence of the virus in Washington and the potential for
human infection from mosquitoes. Statewide surveillance continues for the virus
in birds, animals and humans.
For more background on West Nile virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect many types of birds, horses, and people. The virus is not believed to be spread from person to person or from animal to person. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
Most people who become infected with West Nile virus have either no symptoms or only mild symptoms like a fever, headache, and body aches. On rare occasions, infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis—inflammation of the brain. The risk of severe infection is higher among people who are 50 and older.
The
most important steps in protecting your family are to prevent mosquito bites and
reduce mosquito habitat around your home. Follow
these tips:
Prevent Mosquito Bites
Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight." Repair or replace if needed.
Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are the most active.
Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as wetlands or woods.
Use mosquito repellant when necessary, and carefully follow directions on the label.
Reduce Mosquito Habitat
Empty anything that holds standing water—old tires, buckets, plastic covers, plant saucers, and toys.
Change water in your birdbaths, fountains, wading pools and animal troughs weekly.
Recycle unused containers—bottles, cans, and buckets that may collect water.
Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
Fix leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.
For a brochure on mosquito control tips, click here.
For more information from Washington State Department of Health on West Nile
Virus:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html
