Bannock County issues emergency declaration regarding mosquitoes, West Nile virus
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POCATELLO — The Bannock County Board of Commissioners signed an emergency declaration Thursday regarding mosquitoes and West Nile virus.
According to a news release, the county normally sees West Nile in trapped mosquitoes in mid-July; however, West Nile in the insects began appearing the first part of June. The disease has been confirmed in trapped mosquitoes throughout the county, but current areas of major concern include McCammon, Lava Hot Springs, Downey and Swan Lake.
The emergency declaration means that there are conditions threatening life or property, which requires emergency state assistance to supplement local efforts. County officials say the disaster emergency exists because of the unprecedented number of mosquitoes due to widespread and prolonged flooding plus high water levels.
Bannock County has had confirmed positive West Nile virus in animals and a few potential West Nile virus human cases are awaiting results.
The county will begin aerial adulticide application in the Downey through Swan Lake area Thursday at approximately 8:30 p.m. Aerial applications in other areas will continue in the evenings Monday, July 17, through Wednesday, July 19.
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Citizens with any concerns with the aerial application can take precautions by remaining indoors during treatment with windows closed and air conditioners turned off. The spray is an EPA registered pesticide approved for public health applications, according to a news release.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent with DEET and wearing long sleeves/pants at dusk and dawn. Citizens are also requested to check their property and remove any standing water such as bird baths, gutters and old tires.