A Horse in Douglas County Tested Positive for West Nile Virus

An 18 year old unvaccinated Quarter Horse became ill and tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). There was no history of travel. The horse was euthanized. This is the first horse case in Douglas County. No positive birds, horses or people have been reported before now in either Chelan or Douglas County.

So far this year, twenty one horses have tested positive for WNV. Horses can be vaccinated to help prevent West Nile Virus illness.

Twenty people have tested positive for West Nile Virus this year in Washington State. They were exposed in counties in south central areas of Washington. WNV is spread by infected mosquitoes. The virus can cause a fever, or a more serious illness like inflammation of the brain, lining of the brain or spinal cord.

People can prevent getting WNV by using repellents to prevent mosquito bites and by avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are present. People can also help to prevent WNV by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds on their property by cleaning up standing water.

For More Information:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/DiseasesandChronicConditions/WestNileVirus

http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/index.html

http://www.aaep.org/info/west-nile-virus