Contacts:
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-236-4077

OLYMPIA ¾ The new Washington State Department of Health West Nile virus information telephone line is now available with local and toll-free numbers. The messages are recorded in both English and Spanish. The toll-free line provides general information on the disease and measures residents can take to protect themselves and their families. The message also reports on the status of West Nile virus (WNV) in Washington state, and is updated as needed.

WNV arrived in Washington last fall when infection was confirmed in two horses and two dead birds. There have been no human cases acquired within Washington state, yet WNV is expected to impact animals and possibly people throughout the Pacific Northwest this summer.

"We understand the concern over West Nile virus as it continues to spread," said Maryanne Guichard, director of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. "This toll-free info line will help people understand what’s happening with West Nile virus in Washington state, and provides accurate information, personal protection guidelines, and other useful resources."

West Nile virus is spread to birds, horses and humans by infected mosquitoes. Very few people that are bitten by an infected mosquito ever get sick or require treatment. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause illness severe enough to require hospitalization. People can reduce their risk of exposure to mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and full-length pants in the outdoors when mosquitoes are active, and using bug repellants that include DEET (follow directions exactly).

Eliminating containers around the home that may catch and hold water removes prime breeding habitat for many mosquito species. Making sure door and window screens are properly in place and without holes can also keep mosquitoes at bay.

Department of Health West Nile virus statewide toll-free information line is 1-866-78VIRUS (1-866-788-4787). It’s a local call in Thurston County at 360-236-3980. The recorded message will be updated as necessary with information on West Nile virus on Washington.

More information is available on the Department Of Health West Nile virus Web site (http://www.doh.wa.gov/WNV/). This site contains links to the other state agencies involved in WNV and mosquito control, such as the Departments of Ecology, Agriculture, and Fish and Wildlife, as well as links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Contact Information for the Department of Health

Last Update : 12/18/2006 11:07 AM
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