West Nile Virus Found in Twin Falls County

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX)- Health officials in Southern Idaho say mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Twin Falls County. According to the South Central Public Health District officials with the Twin Falls County Pest Abatement District confirmed mosquitoes caught in traps near the Jerome and Twin Falls County line have the virus.

SCPHD says there have not been any human cases reported.  According to SCPHD West Nile is a potentially serious illness that is usually spread to animals and humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms. However, people with symptoms may experience fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash typically occurring 2 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. More severe infections may involve the central nervous system.

South Central Public Health District Offers some tips to prevent getting West Nile

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET or Picaridin (apply it according to manufacturers’ instructions.) Parents are advised not to apply repellant that contains more than 10 percent DEET on their children. In addition, certain products which contain permethrin are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Follow the directions on the package.
• Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves, pants, and loose-fitting clothing at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and feeding. If possible, consider staying indoors during these hours.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water from flower pots, buckets, and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths and feeding troughs, at least twice a week. Drill holes in tire swings or old tires so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty or on their sides when not in use.
• Don’t over-irrigate your lawns, gardens, or pastures.

For more information on West Nile, visit SCPHD’s website at www.phd5.idaho.gov or the TFCPAD website at www.tfcpad.qwestoffice.net.