| Washington’s first West Nile virus cases in humans were confirmed in later September, following laboratory tests by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Until then, Washington was the only continuous U.S. state without a confirmed case.
The affected individuals are a husband and wife in their 40s, who are residents of the Gig Harbor area. Because of privacy laws, officials with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department would not narrow down the area where the man was infected. He reportedly became infected in July, received medical help in August, and has recovered. The disease does not transmit from human to human.
“Most people who are infected with West Nile virus don’t ever get sick or have symptoms, yet it can be a very serious disease for a small number of people, especially those older than 50 years of age,” Dr. Jo Hofmann, state epidemiologist for communicable disease, said in a statement. “Avoiding mosquito bites is the best prevention. With our first in-state infection, it’s vital to take the simple precautions that can help protect you from West Nile infection.”
West Nile virus is a disease that mostly affects birds; in people it can cause encephalitis or meningitis and those over age of 50 can become seriously ill.
“The Kitsap County Health District believes West Nile virus is in Western Washington, and the recent case is evidence of that,” said Scott Daniels, public information officer for the district. “You just need to take simple precautions to protect yourself from West Nile virus… Our main message is that of prevention.”
Daniels said if a case is suspected, the physician by law must notify the health district, which will investigate a suspected case or work with state officials on it. The health district also records calls about dead birds into a database and maps the incidents. “An increased number of (dead) birds may indicate a West Nile virus,” Daniels said.
The disease is transmitted to people and animals via mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. The state Department of Health tracks mosquito samples as well as horses and dead birds; so far this year there has been one case of an infected horse of 28 tested and no cases in mosquitoes or dead birds.
The best prevention strategies for avoiding an infection include reducing or eliminating standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes; using window screens; wearing protective clothing and repellents; and avoiding areas known to have heavy mosquito population or extended outdoor stays during dusk and dawn, the typical feeding time for the insect.
The health department does not collect dead birds, but citizens are asked to call (360) 337-5235 to report dead crows, ravens, jays or magpies. The birds should be disposed of by burying them or placing them in the trash, but not be touched with bare hands. For dead waterfowl, call the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at (800) 606-8768 and for dead domestic poultry call the state Department of Agriculture at (360) 902-1878. | 
