West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes Near Utah-Idaho State Line

BEAR LAKE COUNTY, Idaho — Southeastern Idaho Public Health officials said West Nile virus has been detected in a Bear Lake County mosquito pool for the first time.

Health officials confirmed the virus was identified in mosquitoes from a pool located on the south end of the county, close to the Utah-Idaho state line on the west side of the lake.

“West Nile is a potentially serious illness that is usually spread to animals and humans through the bite of an infected mosquito,” Southeastern Idaho Public Health officials said. “Most people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms, more severe illness may occur. 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 two to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. More severe infections may involve the central nervous system.”

This was also the first time the virus was detected in the eight counties covered by Southeastern Idaho Public Health this year.

The virus had not been detected in Utah as of July 1.

Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Catching West Nile

• When outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET or Picaridin (apply it according to manufacturers’ instructions.) 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 to have good screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water from flowerpots, buckets, and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in birdbaths 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.