KENNEWICK, Wash. – The West Nile Virus has been detected on the Columbia River in Kennewick. Although no human cases have been reported this year in Washington, the Benton-Franklin Health District is now urging everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Benton County Mosquito Control found the virus in three mosquito pools taken in Kennewick by the Benton County Mosquito Control District.

The West Nile virus infection only presents symptoms in about one in five people infected. Common symptoms can include a fever, headache or body aches.

However, the virus can also be serious and can result in encephalitis, meningitis or other complications in one out of 150 cases. People with certain medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease are at greater risk

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