2 Deadly Viruses Reported in 5 Idaho Counties So Far in 2024

Recent confirmed findings by the CDC and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare show that 2 deadly viruses are active in Idaho this year.

All findings have been in counties in Southern Idaho and have all been on the last 30 days, and it isn't COVID this time.

West Nile Virus and Dengue Confirmed in 5 Idaho Counties

While authorities have confirmed that Dengue and West Nile Virus were found in Idaho this summer, there hasn’t been an outbreak in the state or any confirmed cases in humans. West Nile has only been found in horses, birds, mosquitoes, or asymptomatic blood donors in the following counties: Canyon, Ada, Twin Falls, Bingham, and Bannock.

In mosquito pools, collections found West Nile in Ada County on July 12th and 17th. Bannock had positive tests on July 23rd in two locations and another on the 30th. On July 15th it was discovered in Bingham County, July 24th and August 1st in Canyon County, and 2 more times on August 6th in Canyon County and Twin Falls.

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1 Idaho County Has Now Reported a Truly Deadly Virus in 2024

Of all the locations where West Nile was discovered, only 1 has also confirmed Dengue this year. Ada County reported the first and only case of the year so far.

Even 1 case can be alarming, though, especially as more than 10 million cases have been diagnosed this year in Central and South America. Both Dengue and West Nile can be deadly. Sources say most humans won’t show severe signs when infected with the viruses. Boise Public Radio reports that many people infected ‘feel terrible’ with ‘fever, very severe body aches, joint pains, and very, very severe headaches’.

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Residents can help eliminate the threat of mosquitoes by getting rid of and stagnant or standing water they may have on their property.