Third horse infected with West Nile Virus

No cases reported in humans

MOSES LAKE - A third horse in Moses Lake tested positive for West Nile Virus Thursday, according to the Grant County Health District.

Health District Administrator Peggy Grigg said the horses, which have different owners, are all recovering.

Grigg said no cases of West Nile Virus were reported in humans in Grant County, although humans usually do not experience symptoms.

"Most people aren't going to get sick," she said.

A horse or human catches West Nile Virus when an infected mosquito bites them, she said.

Approximately 20 percent of infected individuals experience mild symptoms, such as headache, fever or body aches, according to the health district. Less than 1 percent experience "neuro-invasive disease," she said.

Grigg said mosquito season is expected to end wvith the first frost, in mid- to late fall.

Tereesa Wentland, owner of JT Ranch in Moses Lake's Cascade Valley, said the ranch did not vaccinate their horses against the virus this year.

"What we've done, is we've boosted our horses' immune systems via natural supplements," she said.

Four horses at the ranch experienced reactions when they were last vaccinated, Wentland said.

The vaccination took horses out of commission during the season the ranch offers lessons, she said. The ranch has 16 horses, nine of which are lesson horses.

If Wentland decides to vaccinate the horses next year, she said she will do it before lessons start.

The Washington State Department of Health noted Wednesday four birds in the state also tested positive for the virus. The birds were in Yakima and Benton counties.

"(The birds are) just more evidence that West Nile Virus is here in our state," stated Assistant Secretary Gregg Grunenfelder. "Now more than ever, people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and limit mosquito habitats around their homes."

To avoid mosquito bites, the Grant County Health District recommends the public:

• Ensure windows and doors are bug-proof. Screens should be repaired or replaced.

• Remain indoors at dusk and dawn.

• Cover exposed skin when visiting mosquito-infested areas.

• Utilize mosquito repellent, but follow directions and be especially cautious when using repellent on children.

• Use the most effective repellent, which contains DEET, oil-of-lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin.

• To discourage the growth of a mosquito population, the health district advises the public:

• Empty standing water from items such as cans, tires, buckets, toys, plastic covers or bottles, or throw the items away.

• Change water at least twice per week in items such as birdbaths, wading pools, animal troughs and fountains.

• Ensure roof gutters properly drain. In spring and fall, clean clogged gutters.

• Repair outdoor faucets and sprinklers when they leak.

For more information, contact the Ephrata office of the Grant County Health District at 509-754-6060.