OLYMPIA — State officials have identified this year’s first known case of West Nile virus in mosquitoes.
In a statement Tuesday, the state Health Department says the virus was detected in mosquitoes in Grant County.
West Nile virus has been present in the United States since 1999, and in Washington state since 2005. The virus is carried by birds, picked up by mosquitoes and can be passed to horses and people.
Most people show no symptoms, but it can cause brain damage in serious cases. Last year was the most active West Nile season yet in Washington. The Health Department says dozens of people were infected in 2009, leading to one death.
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