The Yakima Health District is reporting a case of West Nile virus disease in a resident of Yakima County — the first human case of the virus reported in Washington this year.
According to a Friday news release, the person was likely exposed to mosquitoes in Yakima County. The report follows a case of West Nile virus disease found in a Yakima County horse earlier in the week. That case was reported Sept. 15 by the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
West Nile virus is reported most years in Washington, especially in areas with warm summer temperatures. The disease is almost always spread through mosquito bites. Most people who get infected don’t experience symptoms, but those who do can experience a fever and headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting or diarrhea and skin rash. In some cases, serious illness can occur.
There is no West Nile vaccine for humans. The Yakima Health District is encouraging people to take preventative measures against mosquito-related diseases by staying inside at dawn and dusk, using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants in areas with mosquitoes and removing sources of standing water.
More information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health’s West Nile virus webpage.
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