With summer here and more and more people spending time outdoors, the Washington State Department of Health is urging the public to take steps to avoid mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus. Tim Church, Communications Director with the health department says the best way to prevent contracting West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten at all.

Tim Church, communications director, comments

While most people bitten by infected mosquitoes don’t become ill, some may have mild to severe flu-like symptoms. A small number of people may develop a serious neurological disease. People over 50 and those with compromised or weakened immune systems are at greater risk for serious illness. For more information contact the nearest state health department.