Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) officials reported on Aug. 29 the laboratory confirmation of West Nile virus in a mosquito sample from Spokane County. Five local horses were also confirmed to have the virus this month.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is well established that some types of mosquitoes common to Spokane County can transmit the virus. No human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in the county in 2017.
Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the positive mosquito sample after it was submitted by Eastern Washington University. The university acts as a surveillance partner in Spokane County for Washington State Department of Health.
“Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile virus,” Dr. Bob Lutz, SRHD health officer, said in a news release. “Eliminating all standing water where mosquitoes breed can be difficult, but during mosquito season people can afford themselves a level of protection by draining anything around the home that holds water, as well as preventing exposure to bites.”
The health district is advising individuals to take steps to control mosquito populations and prevent exposure to bites.
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