MOSES LAKE — Health officials have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected near Moses Lake, marking the first detected positive sample in Grant County this year. 

The Grant County Health District announced the finding after routine testing conducted by Grant County Mosquito Control District No. 1. The mosquitoes were collected June 23, with the positive result confirmed June 29, according to a health district press release. 

Officials emphasized that the detection is not unusual for the region but serves as a reminder for residents to take precautions during peak mosquito season. 

“Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can carry diseases like West Nile virus,” said Amber McCoy, the health district’s investigation and response manager, in the statement. “While most people who are infected will not get sick, WNV can cause severe illness. This mosquito season, take steps to keep mosquitoes away from you, your animals, and your home.” 

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Grant County or elsewhere in Washington so far this year, health officials said. The last reported human case in Grant County was in 2015. 

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States and is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the GCHD statement. The virus is most active during the summer and early fall. 

Public health officials say most people who contract the virus do not develop symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 people experience mild illness such as fever, headache, or body aches. In rare cases, the virus can lead to severe neurological illness, including encephalitis or meningitis. 

“West Nile virus is not uncommon in our area,” said Lexi Smith, public information officer for the Grant County Health District. “We did have a positive mosquito sample last year as well, and it’s most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.” 

Smith said people who develop symptoms after being bitten by mosquitoes should contact a medical provider. 

“If you get symptoms of West Nile virus and you have mosquito bites, the best thing you can do is get in touch with your doctor,” she said. “Some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, a headache, or body aches, and then a smaller number of people develop a more severe illness, which could be life-threatening.” 

Health officials urge residents to focus on preventing mosquito bites as the primary defense against infection. 

“The best thing you can do to prevent West Nile virus is to prevent getting bitten by a mosquito,” Smith said. 

That includes removing standing water around homes, where mosquitoes breed. Residents should regularly empty containers such as birdbaths, buckets, and kiddie pools, ensure gutters are draining properly, and repair leaky outdoor fixtures. 

Inside the home, residents are encouraged to make sure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out. 

When outdoors, people can reduce their risk by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, making those times particularly important for precautions. 

Health officials also warned that animals can be affected by the virus. Horses are especially vulnerable, though a vaccine is available. 

“Horses are especially susceptible, but there is a vaccine for horses,” Smith said. “Talking to your vet about that option is really important.” 

The detection in Moses Lake follows reports of West Nile virus activity in neighboring counties. Earlier this month, Benton County reported infected crows and mosquito samples, while Yakima County also reported multiple positive mosquito samples, according to the press release. 

Mosquito control crews in Grant County will continue monitoring and mitigation efforts throughout the season, which runs through October. 

“As we head into the hot summer months, mosquito-borne disease activity can expand rapidly,” said Ann Belchik-Moser, manager of the mosquito control district, in the press release. “We will continue to target both larval and adult mosquitoes in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus to other areas of the district.” 

Health officials said they will continue to monitor conditions and notify the public of any changes, including any confirmed human or animal cases.