Mosquitos in the city of Kent have tested positive for West Nile Virus. No human cases have been reported.
According to the City of Kent Health Department, two mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus. A pool is defined as a collection of 50 mosquitoes.
The city of Kent said they will increase surveillance and treatment activities in the city of Kent and surrounding areas. In human cases, there are are no preventative medications or vaccinations to prevent the virus.
The health department released the following guidelines to reduce mosquito populations:
- Repair or install window and door screens to prevent mosquitos from getting indoors
- Keep gutters clean of standing water
- Empty water from flower pots, pet food, swimming pool covers, birdbaths and other outdoor areas every two weeks
- Check containers, buckets or trash for standing water, as well as hidden places like underneath an outdoor deck
