Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus

The City of Redmond’s Plan for Responding to West Nile Virus and Mosquitoes

If mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus are detected, the City of Redmond, will coordinate with lead agencies such as Seattle/King County Department of Health, Washington State Department of Health, and the National Center for Disease Control to provide guidance to Redmond residents on more aggressive control measures.

West Nile Virus can affect people, horses, certain types of birds, and other animals. However, only nine species out of over fifty mosquito species in Washington State have the potential to transmit the virus and no human cases have been found in Washington State.

Currently, the City is working on the following response plan:

• Taking the necessary steps, whenever possible, to eliminate sources of stagnant water that provide mosquito breeding grounds.
• Providing information on ways you can protect your home and family—with emphasis on personal protection.
• Coordinating with lead agencies such as Seattle/King County Department of Health, Washington State Department of Health, and the National Center for Disease Control. 

If you would like more information on the West Nile virus and emergency measures our area is suggesting, click on any of the web sites listed below or call Public Health's Communicable Disease Hotline which has been updated and now has a West Nile Virus option at 206-296-4949 and press #2, then #6.

For more extensive information about West Nile virus, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s frequently asked questions on their website at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm.

For more information, call the Natural Resources Division at 425-556-2825 or email nr@redmond.gov.

You Can Help Protect Yourself and Your Family

Local and federal health experts recommend the best personal protection is to reduce mosquito habitat, prepare your home and take personal protection measures.

Reducing Mosquito Habitat

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. The eggs only need a few ounces of water to grow into adults. Take these steps to reduce mosquito habitat.

• Eliminate places where water can stagnate in containers such as buckets, flowerpots and tires.
• Change water at least once a week in birdbaths and wading pools.
• Clean clogged rain gutters, and put mosquito screens on rain barrels.
• Dispose of old tires or cover them so they don't collect water.

Prepare Your Home

• Put tight-fitting window screens on all your windows, and repair rips or tears in existing screens.
• Consider adding a screen door to outside doors that are often left open.

Personal Protection

We will never be able to eliminate all mosquitoes. Personal protection is a way to avoid getting bitten. These particular mosquitoes bite from dusk to dawn.

• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• Consider wearing insect repellent that contains DEET. Read repellent instructions carefully. Repellent should not be applied to children under the age of two.

The Stormwater Utility’s Frequently Asked Questions Page has information about West Nile Virus as it relates to stormwater facilities. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Natural Resources Division at 425-556-2825.