Vancouver, WA — Although West Nile Virus (WNV) has not established itself in Clark County, Clark County officials are urging residents to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

The virus has established itself in areas of south central Washington, and could eventually do so in our area. Additionally, because summer travel plans might include trips to areas where the virus is present, residents are encouraged to practice these prevention tips:

Eliminate mosquito habitat around your home

• Drain standing water from old tires, flower pots, plastic tarps, wheelbarrows, toys and anything else that can hold water.
• Change water in bird baths, ponds, wading pools, pet bowls and animal troughs twice a week.
• Repair leaking faucets and sprinklers.
• Clean clogged gutters.
• Properly maintain swimming pools.
• Check for containers or trash in hard-to-see places, such as under bushes.
• To report areas of standing water in your neighborhood, call the Mosquito Control District at (360) 397-8430.

Prevent mosquito bites

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents, including those with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Use especially at dawn and dusk.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
• When practical, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, socks and hats outside, especially in wooded areas.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus will not have any illness. One in five people infected will develop mild symptoms. One in 150 people can develop severe illness with neurological symptoms that may be long-term or permanent. Adults 60 and older are at increased risk for developing more severe symptoms.

There is no WNV vaccination for humans, but vaccinations are available for horses. About one in three infected horses will die. Horse owners should contact their veterinarians for more information.

People cannot become infected with West Nile Virus from other people or animals. Dead Corvid birds, such as crows, jays and magpies, may indicate the virus is present but research has shown that testing local mosquito populations is the best way to detect the virus. The Clark County Mosquito Control District will continue to actively monitor and test local mosquito populations.  However, the online dead bird reporting system for virus surveillance has been discontinued in Clark County.

For more information, contact the Mosquito Control District at (360) 397-8430 or visit  www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/mosquito-control-district.

Zika not a local threat but caution advised for travelers

Other parts of the world are dealing with the emerging threat of the Zika virus. Fortunately, mosquitoes that spread Zika virus do not live in the Pacific Northwest, and there is currently no local risk of Zika transmission through mosquitoes.

However, travelers to areas where Zika is found are at risk for infection. These areas currently include much of Latin America and the Caribbean. Pregnant women should  avoid travel to Zika-affected areas, if possible, because of risks to unborn children. Zika can also be spread by men who infect partners through sexual contact.

Only 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will have any symptoms and those who do will generally experience mild illness lasting a few days to a week. But babies who are infected during pregnancy may suffer severe birth defects. For more information on Zika, visit www.cdc.gov.

We can’t predict whether mosquitoes that spread Zika will eventually make it to Clark County, but there are no vaccines available for many mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus and Zika. That’s why it’s important to eliminate areas of standing water where mosquitoes can breed and take steps to prevent mosquito bites, no matter where you live.

CONTACT
Dr. Alan Melnick
Health Officer/Public Health Director
(360) 397-8412
alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov