West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes on Fort Hall Reservation
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(FORT HALL, ID) — Information released by the Shoshone Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation. The West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes on the reservation. Here is the information made public Tuesday:
Mosquitoes collected in a trap on August 7, 2012, during routine surveillance on the Fort Hall Reservation, have tested positive for West Nile virus by the Fort Hall Reservation’s Mosquito Abatement Program, operated by Vector Disease Control International (VDCI).
“In order to accurately test the mosquito sample we collected, we had to split the total number of mosquitoes into two test pools, each containing 33 Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. One pool from this sample tested negative, while the second pool tested positive for West Nile Virus. This indicates that although the virus is now in the mosquito population in this area, less than half of the Culex mosquitoes in the area are currently carrying the virus, which reduces the likelihood of infection in people,” said Tim Bennett, the Program’s Director. “In addition, given the hot weather and relatively high populations of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the detection of West Nile virus in Fort Hall and the surrounding counties has been expected, and we are prepared to deal with the situation accordingly. The early detection of WNV in mosquitoes is one of the primary reasons for our comprehensive mosquito surveillance and control program. We set mosquito traps throughout Fort Hall every week in order to test for West Nile virus and to determine which control activities need to be undertaken in what areas.”
In response to this finding on August 7th 2012 VDCI has increased larval control activity and spraying for adult mosquitoes in the area by truck. In most cases quick response such as this one will interrupt the infection cycle within the mosquito population. As of Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 8-12 mosquito traps in the identified area have been set, sorted, ID’d and tested for WNV all of which came back negative for WNV. VDCI will continue surveillance and treatment in the area in order to protect residences from WNV.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes ARM Program has also stepped up surveillance in the wetland (bottoms) area looking for obvious signs of WVN in dead or sick magpies, crows, starlings, squirrels, and/or horses no signs were found. In order to reduce mosquito larvae in the area irrigation water flow in canals and ditches have been reduced. The Tribes have also notified residences in the identified areas and provided them with resources to help protect themselves from mosquitoes.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes ARM Program and Mosquito Abatement Program continues to urge our residents to take all appropriate actions necessary to avoid mosquito bites.
Residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves from West Nile virus:
- · DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using a repellent with an effective ingredient. Make sure to follow label directions.
- · DRAIN all sources of standing water that may support mosquito-breeding habitats.
- · DOOR and window screens should fit tight and be in good repair. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- · DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors, since this is when mosquitoes are most active.
- · DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors and mosquitoes are present.
West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans, horses and other animals by infected mosquitoes after the mosquitoes have bitten infected birds, which are the primary hosts of the virus. Most people bitten by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes experience either no symptoms, or possibly a short period of mild flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of human West Nile virus infections typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, and headaches. In rare but severe cases, symptoms can include high fever, neck pain, severe headache, a rash on the torso, and disorientation, which may be signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). If such symptoms occur, residents should seek immediate medical attention from a physician. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection; avoiding mosquito bites and a comprehensive integrated mosquito management program is the best prevention.
If you have any questions regarding this incident, please contact the Shoshone Bannock Tribes ARM Program at 208-478-3878.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the following websites: