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Eye On Boise

Ada County woman tests positive for West Nile Virus

An Ada County woman in her 50s has tested positive for West Nile Virus, the first confirmed human case in Ada County this year. That brings the number of reported human infections in southwestern Idaho this year up to six; previous cases were reported in Payette, Washington and Owyhee counties.

The latest victim, however, told authorities she likely contracted the virus - carried by infected mosquitoes - in Valley County, where she spends most weekends in the outdoors. Both Ada and Valley are among 12 Idaho counties in which infected mosquitoes have been reported this year. “This case should serve as a reminder to everyone, but especially to outdoor enthusiasts, that they need to make every effort to keep from getting bitten,” said Kimberly Link, program manager for communicable disease control at the Central District Health Department; click below for the department's full announcement.

Last year, 17 people in Idaho reported West Nile Virus infections; in 2006, Idaho led the nation in West Nile illnesses with almost 1,000 infections, which contributed to 23 deaths. UPDATE: The Twin Falls Times-News reported Thursday morning that a man in his 40s has tested positive for the virus, the first Magic Valley case of the year, bringing the statewide total to seven.

Ada County Woman Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

The Central District Health Department (CDHD) has received notice of a positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an Ada County woman in her 50s.  This is the first reported human case of WNV in Ada County, and the eighth human case statewide. Though the woman is from Ada County, she suspects she was infected in Valley County where she spends most weekends in the outdoors.  Twelve Idaho counties, including Ada and Valley counties, have reported finding pools of mosquitoes testing positive for WNV.

Ada County Weed and Pest Control conducted aerial spraying for mosquitoes last week because of concerns about the high number of mosquito pools testing positive for the disease.

“Nearly every human case of West Nile Virus this year has occurred in southwest Idaho. We know the disease is here.” said Kimberly Link, Program Manager for Communicable Disease Control at CDHD. “This case should serve as a reminder to everyone, but especially to outdoor enthusiasts, that they need to make every effort to keep from getting bitten.”

West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness that is usually spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the illness show no symptoms.  In more serious cases symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. In some cases the virus can cause severe illness, especially in people over the age of 50.

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

  • Apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing;
  • Cover up exposed skin when outdoors;
  • Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing screens; and
  • Reduce standing water on your property to eliminate mosquito breeding habitat.

West Nile virus does not usually affect domestic animals, but 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 vaccinate their horses annually.

For more information, please visit www.westnile.idaho.gov

 

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Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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