In brief: Three more West Nile infections confirmed

Three more Idaho residents have been infected with West Nile virus, bringing the confirmed human cases to 11 in the state this year.

A Custer County woman and a Twin Falls County woman, both over age 60, and a Gem County woman in her teens are the latest to test positive for West Nile, which is usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. All three women are recovering.

Eleven Idaho counties have reported West Nile activity so far this year. Last year, the virus was discovered in 38 counties, infecting 1,000 people and contributing to the deaths of 23 people.

Idaho led the nation in West Nile human infections, accounting for almost one-quarter of all human infection reports.

North Idaho has had no confirmed human infections this year. Last year, two North Idaho residents contracted the virus, including one person who received it in another state.

To protect themselves, people are advised to avoid mosquitoes when they are most active, between dusk and dawn.

– Staff reports

BOISE

Firefighters optimistic about Murphy Complex

Rain that fell over much of a massive wildfire burning in Southern Idaho and northern Nevada has helped 1,400 firefighters battling the Murphy Complex of fires.

“It’s looking good today,” fire information officer Connie Chaney said Friday. “They estimate they have another 100 miles of fire line to build, but overall it’s looking very, very good.”

Twelve large wildfires were burning in Idaho and had scorched about 1,500 square miles, the Boise-based National Interagency Fire Center reported.

The lightning-caused Murphy Complex has burned about 1,030 square miles and was 70 percent contained.

In north-central Idaho, 550 firefighters and managers were working on the Poe Cabin Fire six miles southwest of White Bird, concentrating their efforts on the northern edge. Fire spokesman Brian Scott said some 100 buildings, including 50 homes, were being protected.

The fire has burned about 70 square miles and was 30 percent contained, Scott said. The cause was still undetermined.

– Associated Press

Bonner County

Blown circuit breaker cuts water service

About 320 homes in rural Bonner County lost water service Friday.

The Oden Water Association serving the Selle Valley north of Sandpoint lost power after an 800-amp breaker was blown, an employee of the water company said.

Electricians were working to fix the problem, and the association hoped to have water service restored late Friday or early today.

The distribution lines were drained, and when the water is running again, the lines will need to be flushed and disinfected, according to the water association.

– Staff reports