Mayor Nickels' Message to City Employees:
West Nile Virus

Dear Friends,

As summer approaches, Public Health - Seattle and King County reminds us of the threat of West Nile Virus, a disease that infected people in Western Washington for the first time last year and was confirmed for the first time to be present in Seattle. Three birds in Seattle tested positive for the virus last fall, along with birds in Kent and Bellevue, and birds and horses throughout Washington. Three people were also confirmed to have become infected with West Nile Virus while in Western Washington last year.

Last year’s infections remind us to be vigilant about protecting oursevles from this this mosquito-borne disease. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick, but 20 percent of those infected experience mild to severe flu-like symptoms. Less than one percent of those infected develops a life-threatening illness. People of all ages can become ill with West Nile virus, but people over age 50 are at higher risk and the risk of serious illness increases with age. In 2006 in the U.S., there were 4219 confirmed human cases with 161 deaths.

I urge you to protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves, long pants and hats. If you choose, you can use insect repellent with DEET or an effective alternative product such as Picaridin. All city departments have repellent for employees to use while on the job. Talk to your department's safety officer or West Nile Virus coordinator (departments with significant city infrastructure or outdoor employees, and departments that serve at-risk populations have these coordinators).

Mosquitoes need only a small amount of standing water to breed. Identify and eliminate standing water at city facilities where possible. Report problems to your supervisor or West Nile Virus coordinator.

Citizen calls asking general questions about West Nile Virus should be referred to Public Health's West Nile Virus hotline at (206) 205-3883. Inquiries from citizens or employees about standing water or mosquitoes on city properties should be referred to the West Nile Virus coordinator for the city department that owns the facility/property. If you are unsure who owns the facility/property, please refer inquiries to Sheila Strehle, our citywide coordinator for West Nile Virus response at (206) 684-5846. For general information, a list of city department West Nile Virus coordinators, and for city employee Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.seattle.gov/util and click on About West Nile Virus.

Sincerely,

GREG NICKELS
Mayor

Posted: May 31, 2007