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The Kent City Health Department confirmed mosquitoes in Al Lease Park have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The mosquitoes were collected at the park in mid-July as part of routine summer testing. A state lab confirmed they were positive for West Nile. There have been no reports of the virus in humans in Kent.
Kent City Health Commissioner Joan Seidel says the first step to preventing West Nile is to remove standing water from yards, in pools or birdfeeders, as mosquitoes breed in standing water.
“The next thing that you can do is, you know, if you're going to be out, try not to be out in the early morning, like dawn and dusk, because that's when mosquitoes are often circulating,” Seidel said.
When going out during these hours, she advises wearing clothes that cover most exposed skin and using insect repellent.
The health department conducts weekly routine testing for West Nile from May to August every year.
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