First case of West Nile virus detected in Idaho mosquitoes

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says the first case of Idaho mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) this year was detected in Canyon County on June 12, 2018.

These mosquitoes are located in an area where positive mosquitoes have been found almost every year since WNV was introduced in 2004.

Last year, 13 counties across the state reported finding WNV-positive mosquito pools.

Additionally, WNV infection was reported in 25 people, seven horses, three birds and one llama.

WNV is usually contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from person-to-person through casual contact.

Symptoms often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. In some cases, the virus can cause severe illness, especially in people over the age of 50, and may require hospitalization – and, on rare occasion, lead to death.

Public health officials remind you to take precautions to “Fight the Bite.”

To reduce the likelihood of infection, avoid mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when they are most active. In addition, officials say you should:

Cover up exposed skin when outdoors and apply DEET or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. DEET may be used on adults, children, and infants older than 2 months of age. Carefully follow instructions on the product label, especially for children. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing screens. Reduce standing water on your property; check and drain toys, trays, or pots outdoors that may hold water and harbor mosquito eggs. Change bird baths and static decorative ponds weekly as they may also provide a suitable mosquito habitat.

WNV does not usually affect domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but it can cause severe illness in horses and certain species of birds.

Although there is no vaccine available for people, there are several vaccines available for horses. People are advised to keep their horses vaccinated annually.