Idaho health officials released a warning Thursday after the year’s first case of West Nile virus was reported in Gem County. Typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, about 130 people in the state were infected with the disease last year and one died. Idaho joins 19 other states that have reported West Nile activity this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “Two years ago, Idaho led the nation in West Nile infections and we experienced many infections last year as well,” Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Leslie Tengelsen said in a release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. “This is a warning for people to protect themselves from the bit of mosquitoes.
The Department of Health and Welfare advised avoiding mosquito-heavy areas between dusk and dawn, when the insects are most active. Otherwise, the agency listed three recommendations in the release:
- Cover up exposed skin when outside or apply EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing;
- Insect-proof homes by repairing or replacing broken window or door screens; and
- Reduce standing water like bird baths, decorative ponds or other containers to cut down mosquito breeding habitat.
The agency also provides a host of resources on its Web site for identifying and avoiding West Nile virus.
Most animals are unaffected by West Nile virus, but horses and some species of birds are highly susceptible. Horse owners should be aware that there are several vaccines available, and Health and Welfare recommends contacting a veterinarian about vaccinations before warmer weather continues to increase mosquito populations. There is no such vaccine for humans.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is also asking that those who find dead birds call their local Fish and Game office. Birds that are most sensitive to West Nile include magpies, crows, raptors, ravens and jays.
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