Health officials: Threat of West Nile looms near

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Story Published: Sep 4, 2008 at 7:33 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:43 AM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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A late-summer spike in West Nile virus has state health officials urging the public to be on guard.

The virus has shown up in horses and birds in Central Washington, and the surge has crews spraying mosquito breeding areas as fast as they can.

The virus can quickly travel from mosquito pools to animals or people bitten by the bugs.

"This year there have been four birds, 15 horses and 22 mosquito pools positive for West Nile virus," said Dr. Marcia Goldoft with Washington Department of Health.

So far the latest outbreak of has stayed on the east side of the mountains in Benton and Yakima counties, but health officials say residents in Western Washington should not rest easy just yet.

"The problem with West Nile virus infection is that in a few people the disease is extremely severe and sometimes fatal," Goldoft said.

At a laboratory in Shoreline, researchers test samples from all over the state. The research is our first line of defense against communicable diseases like West Nile Virus.

"It's a good indicator that it is in our state and we need to be very cautious that at any point in time it could start showing up in humans," said microbiologist Misty Lang.

To ward off the virus, residents should use bug repellent, get rid of pools of standing water, and avoid going outside around dawn or dusk.

Until the first real cold snap, workers in Benton county will keep spraying.

"Doing our best to help the public out, keeping public health somewhat in control and in check," said Matt Hoffert.

A King County woman tested positive for the virus last month, but health officials said she contracted the virus while out of state. The woman did not develop serious symptoms.

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