West Nile Virus
Learn about Lewis County's Response Plan.
What is it? West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can be a serious, even fatal illness. It can affect people, horses, certain types of birds, and other animals. In 2002, the virus was found for the first time in birds and horses in Washington.
How is it transmitted? Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected crows, jays, ravens or other birds. The insects can then transmit the illness to other birds. Humans, horses, and other animals can be infected when exposed to disease carrying mosquitoes. There is no evidence that West Nile Virus can be spread by direct contact with infected people or animals.
Who is at risk and what are the symptoms? The risk of getting West Nile Virus is very low. Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will become infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 5 people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. Even fewer, less than 1 per cent of those infected, will develop more severe symptoms. Severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma. Individuals with these symptoms should contact their health care provider.
How fatal is it? Most people who contract the virus will suffer only mild, flu-like symptoms. However, in rare cases, WNV may result in a fatal case of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord).
What can I do to avoid infection? (1)Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito infested areas, (2) Avoid such areas at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, (3) Use an insect repellent containing DEET—carefully follow application directions and take special care when using on children, (4) Eliminate places where mosquitoes can breed (e.g.) old tires, kiddie pools, and other containers where water can accumulate, (5)Clean gutters so water can flow freely, (6) Change water in wading pools, fountains, birdbaths, and animal troughs at least twice a week, and (7) Encourage mosquito predators such as birds, fish, bats, dragonflies and frogs.
Keep in mind that ultrasonic devices and ingestion of vitamin B-12 will not prevent mosquito bites. Also, application of pesticides to private wetlands is strongly discouraged.
The state Department of Ecology and U.S. Department of Agriculture strictly regulate pesticide application, including who can apply them and where. Some pesticides are damaging to the environment and may kill natural mosquito predators, resulting in more harm than good.
What do I do if I find a dead bird? Report the bird to the county Health Department. If reporting by phone, include type of bird (if known), location, apparent cause, and estimated time of death. Please include information on how and when we may contact you. Be sure to wear gloves when handling the carcass. While WNV cannot be contracted from live or dead birds, other diseases can.
Contacts
Lewis County Health Department General Number: (360) 740-1222
Dead Bird Reporting: (360) 740-2657
Washington State Department of Health Toll Free Line: 1-866-78VIRUS
Washington State Department of Ecology: (360) 407-6000