KING COUNTY, WA - Addressing concerns many residents have about West Nile virus, which was discovered in a dead crow in Western Washington last week, Public Health - Seattle & King County is currently running a "Spotlight on Environmental Health" show titled "West Nile Virus." The show discusses preparation for the arrival of the virus in King County and what people can do to reduce its impact.

"Though West Nile virus is a new disease in the United States, it will not be a problem for most people in King County," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Even so, it is important to know how to protect yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes. This video describes what we all can do to keep the impact of the virus at a minimum."

The 25 minute TV show starts running on CTV this week. It also may be viewed online at Public Health - Seattle & King County's website: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/westnile.

The show:

• clarifies how the virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
• describes the activities King County is taking to prepare for the arrival of the virus.
• explains how globalization is related to the emergence of infectious disease.
• describes what residents can do to reduce mosquito breeding habitat.
• advises what to do if you find a dead crow
• illustrates how to protect yourself from getting bitten.

Guests on the show include Public Health officials, a physician, the Director of Natural Resources and Parks for King County, and an infectious disease expert, and features health inspectors in the field demonstrating how they conduct surveillance on crows and mosquitoes.

"West Nile Virus" will be shown this week on CTV (Channel 22 on AT&T Broadband) at the following times:

Monday, October 28 4:00 PM
Tuesday, October 2912:30 PM, 7:30 PM
Wednesday, October 3012:30 AM, 7:30 PM

For other times on CTV during the next weeks, please visit http://www.metrokc.gov/ctv. Additionally, viewers may call 206-296-0300 to request "Spotlight on Environmental Health: West Nile Virus" during any CTV viewer request time.

Public Health's Environmental Health Division produces "Spotlight on Environmental Health" to address issues related to healthy living and the environment. Public Health's Environmental Health Division aims to identify and sustain healthy environmental conditions that protect and promote people's health.