Idaho’s Twin Falls County The first West Nile virus-related fatality of the year has been confirmed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The victim was over 65 and lived in Twin Falls County.
Although not all counties test their mosquitoes, health officials said that West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes has been found in seven counties in southern Idaho and nearby Malheur County, Oregon. When an infected mosquito bites a human, the virus is spread.
Dr. Kathy Turner, a deputy state epidemiologist, encouraged everyone to practice prevention. According to Turner, this unfortunate West Nile virus mortality serves as an excellent reminder to all of us to take precautions against mosquito bites. Applying EPA-registered insect repellent, removing standing water around homes where mosquitoes can grow, and wearing long sleeves and pants outside are all advised precautions.
The majority of West Nile virus infections do not cause any symptoms. Roughly one in 150 people get a serious sickness that affects the brain and spinal cord, and about one in five people get a fever, headache, body discomfort, joint pain, or rash. Older folks and people with specific medical issues are more vulnerable to severe cases, which can be fatal and necessitate hospitalization.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito exposure, especially between twilight and morning, and to replace standing water in animal water tanks and bird baths on a weekly basis, repair window screens, and cover strollers and infant carriers with netting.
You may learn more at westnile.idaho.gov.
