The Blog

Mary Selecky, Secretary, Department of Health

08/22/11

Outdoor activities are a big part of summer in Washington. We’ve had to wait for summer this year, and now that it’s here, many families are camping and hiking together. It’s wonderful to spend time outdoors in our state, yet it’s important to remember that mosquitoes are out there, too. That means the risk of West Nile virus is always there, so it’s best to avoid mosquito bites.

Staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, or wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants are good ways to avoid being bitten. Yet if you want to be outside at these times, wearing summer shorts and shirts, be sure to use an effective bug repellent.

You can learn more on the Department of Health West Nile virus website. And check out the short videos promoting West Nile virus prevention.

Other tips include removing standing water in buckets and flower pots so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed and their larvae don’t have a place to grow. Change the water in birdbaths and animal troughs twice a week. Cover windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.

West Nile virus is unpredictable so there’s no way to know how much activity we’ll see from year to year. By this time last year, many mosquito samples had already tested positive for West Nile virus in the south central part of our state. The first West Nile virus detection of the 2011 season was reported August 18 — from mosquito samples collected in Mabton, in Yakima County.

West Nile virus can be very serious, even fatal. Survivors can have permanent effects. Each of us should take a few simple steps to reduce the odds of being bitten by mosquitoes while we’re enjoying summer in beautiful Washington.

Also follow the Department of Health on Facebook and Twitter.