West Nile virus detected in mosquitos in Grant County
Jul 1, 2026, 12:30 PM
A mosquito floats on standing water in a basin trap. (Photo: Jon Cherry, Getty Images)
(Photo: Jon Cherry, Getty Images)
West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Grant County.
Officials with the Grant County Health Department (GCHD) confirmed they found positive samples in the Moses Lake area during routine testing on June 23. A positive result was confirmed nearly a week later on June 29.
“Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can carry diseases like West Nile virus,” Amber McCoy, the GCHD Investigation and Response Manager, stated. “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.”
There have been no reports of people or pets contracting the West Nile virus in Washington so far this year.
Most people won’t get sick, but in rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological illness. Approximately 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, which can result in encephalitis or meningitis.
“There is no specific medication for WNV disease, but hospital care may be necessary for severe cases,” GCHD said.
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Symptoms from West Nile virus
Mild symptoms include body aches, joint pains, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Severe illnesses from West Nile virus include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, paralysis, convulsions, and even collapsing into a coma.
The last reported human case of West Nile virus in Washington was in Grant County in 2015.
GCHD is encouraging residents to protect themselves by wearing long sleeves, using EPA-approved repellent, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.
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