The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

PASCO — Benton Franklin Health District officials have issued a warning for the West Nile virus after detecting it in the Richland area.

A mosquito in Richland tested positive for the virus July 21, officials said. More than a week prior, multiple mosquitos tested positive for the virus in the Grandview area of Yakima County.

Those are the first instances of West Nile being detected in the state this year, officials said, noting no cases have been reported in people or animals, so far, this year.

The virus has not been detected in Franklin or Adams counties.

Health officials recommend the...