The 2009 West Nile virus season was the most active on record. Most activity was on the east side of the Cascades, but Western Washington had its share.
State health officials said Thursday 36 people were confirmed as having West Nile infection during the 2009 season that recently ended.
A Yakima County woman in her 70s was the state's first death from the virus.
The virus hit people in six Washington counties. Benton County had nine cases, Grant had one, Klickitat had two, Spokane had two, Whatcom had one, and Yakima had 21. All but two of these people were exposed in Eastern Washington - and they may have been exposed out of state. The Whatcom County resident was exposed while camping in Eastern Washington. Some samples are still being tested.
Of the 36 people, 28 had severe disease - including encephalitis, meningitis, and/or paralysis. Eight of them had mild illness with a fever and headache.
The 2009 season ended with the return of colder fall weather.
West Nile virus is a bird disease that's spread by infected mosquitoes. The best way to reduce the chance of infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Even though cold weather has reduced the risk of mosquito bites, the state health department encourages residents to take preventive actions that are helpful in the off-season. Dump water that collects around your home and make sure gutters are cleaned and free of debris.
State health officials said Thursday 36 people were confirmed as having West Nile infection during the 2009 season that recently ended.
A Yakima County woman in her 70s was the state's first death from the virus.
The virus hit people in six Washington counties. Benton County had nine cases, Grant had one, Klickitat had two, Spokane had two, Whatcom had one, and Yakima had 21. All but two of these people were exposed in Eastern Washington - and they may have been exposed out of state. The Whatcom County resident was exposed while camping in Eastern Washington. Some samples are still being tested.
Of the 36 people, 28 had severe disease - including encephalitis, meningitis, and/or paralysis. Eight of them had mild illness with a fever and headache.
The 2009 season ended with the return of colder fall weather.
West Nile virus is a bird disease that's spread by infected mosquitoes. The best way to reduce the chance of infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Even though cold weather has reduced the risk of mosquito bites, the state health department encourages residents to take preventive actions that are helpful in the off-season. Dump water that collects around your home and make sure gutters are cleaned and free of debris.
