FRANKLIN COUNY, Wash.- Franklin county has seen new traces of the West Nile virus.
As of Monday workers with the Mosquito Control District in Franklin county have found thirty-seven positive cases of the West Nile virus in mosquitos.
That's up from only three mosquitos a few weeks ago. Experts say the higher numbers are proof that the virus is spreading, but they did expect those numbers because August is the peak month for virus activity.
District personnel are treating standing water areas daily where mosquitos breed and increase the chance for the virus to spread to birds.
"One thing people need to understand is that once West Nile is established in the bird population it does not go away," said Brian Benner, director of the Franklin County Mosquito Control Company.
Two birds have been found with the West Nile virus in the West Pasco riverview area. To keep the virus from spreading to humans experts encourage a few precautions, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and not going outside late at night.