James Henriksen		Benton County Mosquito Control (509) 967-2414
Dr. Larry Jecha		Benton-Franklin Health Department, (509) 943-2614 ext. 240

Testing by the Benton County Mosquito Control District has detected West Nile virus in one of its adult mosquito samples. This is the first positive WNv sample in the state since 2002. The district uses a variety of testing methods to monitor virus activity in much of Benton County and parts of Yakima County. The surveillance program is an early warning system for both the public and the Mosquito Control District.

The district uses sentinel chicken flocks, adult mosquitoes and birds to test for disease. Early detection benefits people by alerting them to the presence of virus and raising public awareness. It also benefits the district by providing additional information on where to focus abatement efforts.

James Henriksen, District Manager of Benton County Mosquito Control said, "Our disease monitoring program helps us better protect the community. It’s an early warning system that directs us into the areas where known disease carrying mosquitoes are present so we can control them before they reach epidemic proportions."

Dr. Larry Jecha of the Benton-Franklin Health Department stated that, "This early detection means that we have West Nile virus in our eco-system. It is unknown how long it will take to become well established and see the effects on birds, horses and humans. This is a wake-up call that it is time to take protective measures seriously and avoid mosquito bites."

Personal Protection Measure

• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, for example flooded pastures, clogged gutters, birdbaths, watering troughs, old tires and any other water holding receptacle.

• Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts when you are outdoors.

• Wear insect repellant, preferably one that contains DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow label directions. For insect repellant guidance go to the CDC West Nile virus Web site

• Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.