Wash. has first reported case of West Nile this year

In 1999, West Nile Virus in birds and mosquitoes were first detected, and has become a yearly incidence since then. Symptoms usually start from 2 to 14 days after getting bit. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

“It’s important for people to take steps to reduce their risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus”, explains Councilwoman Colleen Morrone, with the Councils liaison to the Department of Intercommunity Health.

More than 180 South Dakota cities, counties and tribes will share in $490,371 in grants intended to control mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus (WNV), according to the Department of Health.

Four cases of West Nile Virus were confirmed in Mesa County, last year.

One of the latest to report West Nile-positive mosquitoes is New York.

The fourth-wettest June on record likely will mean more mosquitoes in the area, a state expert predicted.

She said the warmer water temperatures that we are seeing this year also helps mosquitoes mature faster.

After having already been found in Gem and Canyon counties, the West Nile virus has shown up in Ada County. However, most infections are mild and symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Always follow label instructions carefully.

Keep window and door screens in good fix.

It is possible that the drought has contributed to West Nile virus amplification by reducing sources of water for birds and mosquitoes.

The humid weather is back, the mosquitoes are back, and now in Minnesota – the West Nile virus is back. “We also use some that it called Bacillus sphaericus that is a live bacteria that mosquito’s feed on and it ruptures their gut and they die”, said Tubbs. District staff have been moving aggressively to control immature mosquito populations out in the agricultural areas to the west, in an effort to stem the development of adult mosquitoes.