West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause serious illness. West Nile virus is spread to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes spread the virus when they feed on an infected bird, and then bite people, animals, or other birds.

Symptoms

Most people who are infected with WNV will not become ill. Two to fourteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, some people may develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. Occasionally, they may have swollen glands or a rash. These symptoms can last for a few days or up to several weeks.

In rare cases, infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness. Serious infection is marked by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, and convulsions. Some symptoms may persist for years.

If you begin to experience serious symptoms of infection 2 to 14 days after a mosquito bite, see your doctor.

With serious West Nile illness, intensive medical care may be required, such as hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and prevention of secondary infections such as pneumonia.

Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV has been detected in Grant County for over a decade, in mosquitoes, horses, birds, and humans. View maps and statistics of current and historical WNV activity in Grant County and the rest of the state.

  • Fight the Bite: To prevent getting sick from WNV, you should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Visit the Washington State Department of Health website to learn more about preventing mosquito bites and protecting yourself from WNV.

Prevention

Repellents containing the following ingredients are effective against mosquitoes:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
  • IR3535
  • Permethrin

Permethrin is recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks and mosquitoes and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Follow directions carefully.

Repellents used on children should contain no more than 30% DEET. Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger than two months.

  • Spray your own hands and then rub the product on the child's exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Children should not apply repellent themselves.
  • If a child still puts their hands in their mouth, do not apply repellent to their hands.
  • Consider using mosquito netting over infant carriers, strollers, or playpens.
  • Always keep repellent out of reach of children.

If you suspect you or your child is having a reaction to an insect repellent, discontinue use, wash treated skin thoroughly, and call the Washington Poison Center at 800-222-1222. If you go to a doctor, take the repellent with you.