OLYMPIA — West Nile virus activity was considerably lower in 2011 than the year before, the state Department of Health said last week.
Mosquito and dead-bird monitoring and testing for West Nile virus has ended for the year, the department said in a statement Thursday.
There were no human, bird or horse cases this year.
Only five samples
Five mosquito samples with the virus were found in the state.
That’s down from 126 positive samples in 2010.
West Nile virus was detected in mosquito samples collected in Franklin, Grant and Yakima counties.
“No human cases were identified this year, but people should be aware that the virus is here and can cause serious illness,” said Maryanne Guichard, assistant secretary for the department, in a statement.
Even though cold weather has reduced the risk of mosquito bites, the state Health Department encourages residents to take preventive action by dumping standing water from around homes and ensuring that gutters are clear of debris.
Mosquito larvae can survive the winter, even in freezing conditions, the department said.
West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause illness in people, birds, horses and other animals.
Details are available at www.doh.wa.gov.