WASHINGTON - West Nile virus has been detected across Benton, Yakima, and Grant counties.

"Just because we have West Nile virus in the area, it's not a reason to be fearful. It's just a reason to be knowledgeable and aware," Kevin Shoemaker, Benton County Mosquito Control assistant manager, said.

West Nile virus spreads through the transmission from migratory birds to mosquitoes, which then infect local bird populations. Benton County Mosquito Control has 66 weekly test sites for collecting and identifying mosquito species. These efforts are focused on evaluating the effectiveness of larvicide and testing for diseases.

Shoemaker said the virus is commonly found in multiple counties each year, particularly in drought years.

"The data seems to indicate that when you have a drought year

See Full Page