Six human cases of mosquito-borne diseases suspected

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima County health officials are monitoring six possible cases of mosquito-borne infections in people -- and they anticipate more to come.

Yakima Health District investigators were first made aware of the potential cases of West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis or western equine encephalitis about two weeks ago, said Marianne Patnode, the county's communicable disease coordinator and public health nurse.

Lab results have been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which confirms cases at the national level, Patnode said.

"We anticipate more illnesses in the upcoming weeks," wrote Yakima's Deputy Health Officer Devika Singh in a news release, "but hope that with effective public health outreach, we can prevent cases by encouraging necessary precautions among our residents."

All six of the people -- who are 6 to 80 years old and in both the Lower and Upper Valley -- were hospitalized, although three have been released.

"Three have recovered enough to be discharged and go home and the other three are still being observed for their treatment but seem to be improving," Patnode said.

In Washington so far this year, the West Nile virus has shown up in 20 horses, eight birds and 214 mosquito samples -- but no humans, according to the Washington State Health Department.

Health officials in other counties in Washington are also investigating possible human cases, Patnode said.

Last year, three cases in people -- two Yakima County residents and a King County man who had visited the area -- were confirmed in the state.

Although final CDC confirmation on the six current cases might take another few weeks, Patnode said "we wanted to get this information out ... We want people to be aware we are investigating people who could have West Nile virus. You want to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and eliminate environments that can actually breed mosquitoes."

Symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses include headaches, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis or even death, officials said. Anyone experiencing any of those symptoms should see a doctor.

County health officials advise the following precautions:

* Eliminate standing water that mosquitoes breed in. Anything that holds water can become a breeding ground in less than a week, so change water in pet bowls, animal troughs and bird baths at least weekly, fix leaky faucets and empty saucers for potted plants.

* Avoid being bitten. Put screens on windows and doors; avoid being outside at dusk and dawn; wear long pants, long sleeves, socks and shows; use repellents that contain DEET or other products that are effective against mosquitoes.

* Melissa Sánchez can be reached at 509-577-7675 or msanchez@yakimaherald.com.