West Nile virus found in mosquitos near Kettle Falls

Some mosquitos near Kettle Falls day use and group site campground have tested positive for West Nile Virus, the National Park Service said last week.

Conditions this summer at Lake Roosevelt have been optimal for mosquitos, the NPS noted.

Visitors, park staff, and our neighbors and partners have been dealing with an extraordinarily large mosquito population, especially in the Kettle Falls area, NPS officials have stated.

The NPS is encouraging visitors to contact Julie Graham (360-236-4078) at the Washington Department of Health concerning specific questions about test results.

If visitors think they may have been exposed to West Nile Virus, they should check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, http://www.cdc.gov, for guidance about symptoms.

The NPS encourages visitors to protect themselves against mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk. Loose fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants that provide ”depth,” combined with a mosquito repellent will offer good protection, the NPS suggests.

When using mosquito repellent look for products registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and always follow label directions, the NPS report states, and take special care when applying it to children. Also, make sure that screens and windows and doors on recreational vehicles and tents are in good working order.