West Nile Virus prompts Bannock County emergency

Bannock County Commissioners have approved an emergency declaration urging citizens to be aware of West Nile Virus and take steps to avoid it. According to the county, Bannock County normally sees West Nile in trapped mosquitoes in mid-July, but this year, the bugs began showing up in early June. West Nile has now been confirmed in trapped mosquitoes throughout the county, but there are aeas of major concern. They include McCammon through Lava Hot Springs and Downy through Swan Lake. Bannock County will begin aerial adulticide application in the Downey through Swan Lake area Thursday night, July 13, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Weather permitting aerial applications in other areas will continue in the evenings Monday, July 17, through Wednesday July 19. Citizens with any concerns with the aerial application can take precautions by remaining indoors with windows closed and air conditioners turned off during treatment. The spray to be used is an EPA registered pesticide approved for public health applications. Citizens are urged to take necessary precautions to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent with DEET and wearing long sleeves and long pants at dusk and dawn. Citizens are also requested to check their property and remove any standing water such as bird baths, gutters and old tires. Additional information is available by contacting Mosquito Abatement Supervisor Dave Herter at 208-251-3083.