West Nile Identified in Yakima County

August 5th, 2015, the Yakima County Mosquito Control has been notified that one of the mosquito samples
collected by the Yakima County Mosquito Control, off East Selah Road, has tested positive for the West Nile
virus (WNv). This is the first positive West Nile virus sample collected by Yakima County this year.
West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will show little
or no signs of disease. About 1 in 5 infected people may show signs of West Nile fever. Symptoms may
include fever above 100ºF and severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking,
paralysis, or rash. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you experience any of these
symptoms. The fever syndrome may last from a few days to several weeks. The incubation period is usually
2-14 days.
With the arrival of West Nile, it is important to continue reducing mosquito breeding opportunities and to
protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites. The following are suggestions for protection:
 Screen doors and windows should fit tightly. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
 Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing when outside at dawn and dusk.
 Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding such as clogged gutters,
children’s swimming pools, birdbaths and old tires.
 Avoid playing or working outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
 Repellant use, preferably one that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, is advised.
Follow label directions carefully. Never apply DEET directly to your child’s face or put it on children’s
hands. Apply repellant first to your own hands and then onto the child’s face. Do not use oil of
lemon eucalyptus on children under age three.
For more information access the following resources:
 Center for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
Yakima County Contacts:
 Yakima County Mosquito Control: (509) 452-1890
 Yakima County Health District (509) 249-6525