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First person has been infected with West Nile virus in state this year

By Rob Mackay
Published  August 18, 2014 11:35pm PDT
FOX13 News | Seattle & Western Washington | Formerly Q13 News

OLYMPIA -- A Walla Walla County man has become the the first Washington resident to be infected with West Nile virus in the state this year. The man, in his 20s, was likely exposed near his home and was hospitalized, the Washington State Department of Health said Monday.

The infection was confirmed by testing at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, the department said.

Two other Washington residents have been diagnosed with the infection this year, but both were exposed in other states, the department said.

A King County man in his 70s and a Grays Harbor woman in her 50s were infected with West Nile virus this year while traveling out of state. Additional reports of possible infections are currently under investigation.

“The mosquito samples that have tested positive for West Nile virus in eastern Washington this season are a reminder that the virus is here and we should protect ourselves,” said state health officer Dr. Kathy Lofy. “The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites — at home and while traveling.”

So far, 34 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus in 2014, including Benton County (11), Franklin County (11), and Grant County (12). The number of positive mosquito samples detected this year has already surpassed the number found during the past three years, combined (28).

Year after year, south central Washington has been a “hot spot” for the virus, with most in-state acquired human and animal cases having been exposed in this area. Mosquito testing shows the virus is in our state, and the mosquito species that transmit the virus are found throughout Washington. Regardless of where you are, health officials recommend avoiding mosquito bites to help prevent getting infected.

A few simple precautions can help reduce your chances of getting mosquito bites:


    West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and often dead birds are an early sign that the disease is active in an area. People may report dead birds online to public health officials. So far this year no dead birds have been reported with the infection in the state.

    Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms at all. Others may develop fever, headache, or body aches. For a small percentage of people, West Nile virus infection can be very serious, resulting in encephalitis, meningitis, or other complications. People over 50 have the highest risk for serious illness, the health department said.

    More information is available on the agency’s West Nile virus information line, 1-866-78-VIRUS (1-866-788-4787) and on the West Nile virus website.