The Yakima County Mosquito Control has been notified that a local sample has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquito was off of East Selah Road. Although you should still feel safe, here are some ways to protect yourself straight from the Yakima County Mosquito Control:

  • Screen doors and windows should be snug. Repair if needed.
  • If outside during dawn or dusk, wear long sleeves and pants.
  • Don't have any standing water in places like clogged gutters, kiddie pools, birdhouses and old tires. Those are mosquito breeding grounds.
  • If you use repellent, look for ones containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, unless your child is under age 3.

Most people infected are unlikely to suffer any symptoms, but some people might experience severe headaches, fevers over 100 degrees, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, a stiff neck or even a rash.

These can last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. As always, you should seek medical attention if you think you've been infected.

For more information, please visit the Center for Disease Control website.

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