The  2013 WNv season has been a mild one, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore protecting yourself from mosquito bites!
 

To track results of mosquito surveillance, go here: http://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/DiseasesandChronicConditions/WestNileVirus.aspx
 

What is WNv? It is a viral illness transmitted from birds, horses and other people by way of mosquitoes. While most (>95%) infected people have mild or no symptoms, a small percentage develop fever, headache, rash, and more. An even smaller percentage develop serious illness, including encephalitis---inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal or result in lingering or permanent neurological (brain and nerve) damage. There is no treatment for the illness, only prevention.
There are many things you can do to prevent getting this illness:

• Help reduce mosquito numbers---don't let collections of water stand for more than a day (bird baths; old tires; wheelbarrows; etc);
• Wear long-sleeves and pants during main "biting hours" (when it starts to cool in the evening and sometimes even while it's still cool in the morning);
• Use repellent that contains DEET, IR3535 or picaridin on exposed skin and even on your clothes (Permethrin-containing repellent can be used on clothes only.);
• Make sure your window screens are in good repair--- the irritating whine of an approaching mosquito in the middle of the night can ruin your sleep;
• Call mosquito control and let them know if you have more mosquitoes in your yard than you think you should have (particularly if you live near a wetland or river);
• Report dead birds to Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD).

See your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and skin rash on chest, stomach or back IF you've been recently bitten by mosquitoes.

For more information. some useful websites are: CDC WA DOH And for information on preventing WNv at the workplace, go HERE.