by KOMO News Staff, Tue, September 26th 2023, 9:25 AM MST
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Two people and two horses in Washington state have had confirmed cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in the past few days.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) said Monday the separate human cases came from residents in Walla Walla and Franklin counties, and both were diagnosed in the past week. Both people were “most likely exposed within their county of residence,” the DOH added.
On Monday the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed the two cases in horses from Grant and Benton counties and said they were “most likely exposed within their counties.”
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The West Nile virus is carried by mosquitos, according to the DOH, and officials urge people who develop the virus’ symptoms after being bit to contact their health care provider. The DOH said there is no West Nile virus vaccine for humans.
About one in five people who are infected with the West Nile virus develop a fever with other symptoms, such as headaches, body aches, joint paint, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the DOH. Serious illness occurs with fewer than one in 100 people infected, the DOH said.
“The risk of severe infection is highest among people 60 or older and people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease,” the DOH wrote in its press release. “The best protection measures against diseases carried by mosquitos are bite prevention and habitat reduction.”
“Most cases of West Nile virus are mild,” added Dr. Amy Person, the Washington DOH regional medical officer in the Benton-Franklin Health District. “However, serious illness and death are also possible. That’s why we urge people to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms.”
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