West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in Bannock County
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Trey Baylor, Courtroom Insider
POCATELLO — Southeastern Idaho Public Health (SIPH) and Bannock County Mosquito Abatement have confirmed a West Nile positive mosquito pool near Swan Lake.
No cases of human contracting the virus have been reported, according to a release from Bannock County.
Bannock County Mosquito Abatement has increased its response to the area where the virus was found, treating both larval and adult mosquitoes. Staff are expected to increase monitoring and control in the area.
The release says West Nile virus is a potentially serious virus that typically spreads to humans through mosquito bites. Horses or livestock that contract the virus are incapable of spreading the virus to humans or other animals.
Most people infected with the West Nile Virus reportedly don’t show symptoms, severe illness can occur. Symptoms may include fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye pain and sometimes swollen lymph glands and skin rashes. Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. More severe infection may affect the central nervous system.
The release advises livestock and pet owners to consult their veterinarians about prevention methods, vaccination and symptom monitoring.
The release also includes several tips to prevent infection:
- When outdoors, use an insect repellent that uses an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET or Picaridin.
- Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Consider staying indoors at these times.
- Make sure home windows have effective screens.
- Limit mosquito breeding sites near your home, such as flowerpots, buckets or barrels that contain standing water.
- Don’t over-irrigate your lawns or pastures.
For more information on West Nile virus, contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health epidemiologist Jeff Doerr at (208) 478-6303 or visit SIPH’s website at www.siphidaho.org or https://westnile.idaho.gov.
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