West Nile virus cases hits high this year
OLYMPIA —
There were more cases of West Nile virus in Washington state this year than in any year since monitoring began in 2001, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
Three human infections were reported in 2008 — some in King County and two in Yakima County. The King County fixed had traveled to Eastern Washington during the exposure conclusion and was probably infected there.
In addition, 41 horses, 22 birds and 57 mosquito samples tested positive, through most of those in Yakima County.
Most of the cases occurred east of the Cascades, but some dead birds collected in Western Washington tested positive, showing the virus is established in Eastern Washington and is construction inroads into Western Washington, the department related.
West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. The best way to subdue the chance of pollution is to avoid mosquito bites.
