West Nile Virus found in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — A mosquito trapped in Grant County has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the first such mosquito found in Grant County this year and the eleventh found statewide.

According to the Grant County Health District, the infected mosquito was caught in a trap near the intersection of I-90 and Dodson Road.

“There have not been any human or other animal cases (of West Nile Virus) reported in Grant County this year,” said a health district news release.

The discovery of an infected mosquito, however, means the potential is there, the news release continued.

According to the health district, most people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick, with only one in five developing any symptoms. However, for a small number of people, West Nile Virus disease can cause permanent neurologic problems or even death.

The Health District states that the best way to avoid exposure to West Nile Virus is to not get bitten by a mosquito in the first place. Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves when outside, use mosquito repellent, and clean up or eliminate places of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Last year, the health district said there were 51 infected mosquitoes found in Grant County — more than half the 95 found statewide.

West Nile Virus is native to North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, and was first detected in the United States in 1999.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.