West Nile detected in Grant County

Grant County Mosquito District 1 reported this week that a mosquito sample collected from a trap west of Moses Lake, near the intersection of Dodson Road and I-90, has tested positive for West Nile virus.

This is the first detection of the virus in Grant County this season and is the 11th such report in the state this year.

During the 2016 season, 51 samples and one horse were reported with WNV in Grant County. Statewide last year there WNV infections in nine people, 27 horses and 95 mosquito samplings.

There have not been any human or animal cases reported this year, according to the Grant County Health District.

“The presence of WNV in local mosquitos means that our residents and guests can become infected in Grant County; therefore, it is very important that everyone takes steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce mosquito-breeding habitats around their homes,” stated Amber McCoy, lead environmental health specialist at Grant County Health District.

Most people infected with WNV do not get sick. About one in five will develop a fever or other symptoms that won’t go away without medical treatment, a health district report states.