First human West Nile Virus case found in Elmore County

An Elmore County woman in her 30’s is the first human case of West Nile Virus in Idaho this summer. She is recovering at her home.

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, besides that infection, eight other counties have detected West Nile Virus in mosquitoes since the end of June, including this past week in Bannock County.

One horse was reported infected in Payette County.

“West Nile activity has ramped up significantly during the last few weeks across southern Idaho, so people are strongly encouraged to fight the bite of mosquitoes to protect themselves and their families,” says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, state public health veterinarian. “This is a good warning for all of us to take protective measures, including wearing insect repellent and reducing mosquito habitat around our homes.”

There were 13 human cases of the virus last year. It is usually contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito and is not spread person-to-person through casual contact.

People are encouraged to avoid mosquitoes. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants, stay indoors during prime times of mosquito activity at dawn and dusk, and apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellant.

People are also asked to reduce standing water anywhere that may make suitable habitat.

You can find additional information about West Nile Virus here.