West Nile Virus
Washington State Department of Health Information Line: (866) 788-4787
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause illness in birds, horses, and humans. West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Dead birds may be a sign that WNV is circulating between birds and the local mosquito population.
West Nile virus is present in the mosquito pools in the state of Washington. You can protect yourself from WNV by taking measures to avoid mosquito bites. This can be achieved by staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; wearing a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat when mosquitoes are present; using mosquito repellent when necessary; and keeping windows and doors “bug tight”. Always use mosquito repellant according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Mosquitoes can also be reduced by removing manmade breeding grounds such as tires, buckets, and clogged gutters that hold standing water. Water in birdbaths, fountains, and other water features should be changed at least twice a week. Also, fix leaky faucets to reduce water from ponding near your home.
Dead Bird Information:
At this time, Island County Public Health is not collecting birds for WNV testing.
LINKS
Washington State DOH - West Nile Virus
Found In: Washington State DOH - West Nile VirusWashington State DOH - West Nile Virus
Visit SiteWashington State DOH - Mosquitos
Found In: Washington State DOH - MosquitosWashington State DOH - Mosquitos
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DOCUMENTS
Island County Mosquito Survey ReportDownload File
Island County Mosquito Survey Report
Filesize: 1.89 MB
Last Modified: 9/16/2010