First human infections of West Nile virus in Idaho this year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30th, 2024
Idaho’s first two human West Nile virus (WNV) infections this year were identified in a female Canyon County resident who is over the age of 60 and a male Ada County resident who is also over the age of 60 on Monday, Aug. 26. The Canyon County person was hospitalized with the infection but has been discharged. So far this year, WNV activity has been detected in six Idaho counties, three of them in Southwest District Health’s and Central District Health’s regions.
WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can lead to severe disease in some people.
“Local cases of West Nile serve as an important reminder for us all to protect ourselves and our families against mosquito bites,” said Victoria O’Dell, CDH epidemiologist. “Simple tactics include using insect repellant and wearing protective clothing in addition to getting rid of standing water around our yards and homes to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs there.”
Symptoms of WNV infection often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and, sometimes, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Infection can result in severe illness, especially in people 50 years or older, leading to hospitalization and even death. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing for WNV to confirm your illness.
Last year, 36 human WNV infections were reported statewide, 18 in SWDH’s jurisdiction and six in CDH’s jurisdiction. WNV activity in mosquitoes, horses or people was reported in 19 counties throughout the state. WNV infections that might be reported each year are difficult to predict as some cases might not seek testing, but in the last five years, on average, six cases have been reported each year in SWDH’s counties and four in CDH’s counties.
To protect against WNV infection, people should avoid mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. In addition, everyone should:
- Cover up exposed skin when outdoors and apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Carefully follow instructions on the product label, especially for children.
- Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing damaged screens.
- Reduce standing water on property. Check and drain toys, trays or pots outdoors that can hold water.
- Change bird baths, static decorative ponds, and animal water tanks weekly to reduce suitable mosquito habitats.
WNV does not usually affect domestic animals, like dogs and cats, but can cause severe illness in horses and some species of birds. Although there is no vaccine for people, there are several vaccines for horses, which should be vaccinated annually.
For more information, please visit https://westnile.idaho.gov.
About Central District Health
Central District Health, Public Health District IV, is one of seven public health districts within the state of Idaho, serving the counties of Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley. With a vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities, CDH’s emphasis is on decreasing risk factors for chronic disease, improving quality of life and increasing the years of healthy life among residents.
About Southwest District Health
Southwest District Health is one of seven public health districts throughout Idaho established to protect and promote the health and wellness of those who live, work, and play in our region. We proudly serve Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington Counties. We work in partnership with our community to identify health needs, design solutions, and implement services that encourage behaviors contributing to healthier, longer lives. Learn more at swdh.org.
Media Contacts:
Southwest District Health
Monique Evancic, Communications, Marketing
Office: 208-455-5413 | Cell: 208-800-1262
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