Contact
Dave Fotsch
Public Information Officer
Central District Health Department
208-327-8639
Page Options
July 15 , 2008
Mountain Home Mosquito Pool Tests Positive For West Nile
Mosquitoes collected in a trap in Mountain Home have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to results released Monday July 14, 2008 by the Idaho State Bureau of Laboratories.
The mosquitoes were trapped July 6, 2008 on private land by personnel with the Elmore County Interim Mosquito Abatement District. The presence of West Nile virus was confirmed by the Idaho State Laboratory July 14, 2008. The Central District Health Department (CDHD) has been working cooperatively with the Elmore County Interim Mosquito Abatement District to provide surveillance of mosquito populations. West Nile virus is a disease that normally cycles between mosquitoes and birds. Animals and humans are incidentally infected when bitten by a female mosquito infected with the virus.
“Historically we know West Nile is in Elmore County and by finding positive mosquito pools we can help the Mosquito Abatement District better target its efforts to eliminate them.” said Nikki Sakata, Program Manager for Communicable Disease Control with CDHD. Meanwhile Sakata says there are things citizens can do to protect themselves from West Nile virus. “We can all take steps to reduce mosquito habitat around our homes and adopt simple practices to minimize the exposure to mosquito bites.”
People can protect themselves from West Nile virus by following the Seven D’s to avoid mosquito bites:
DRAIN any standing water on your property that may produce mosquitoes.
DAWN and DUSK are times for people to avoid the outdoors.
DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an insect repellant (follow label directions).
DOOR and window screens should be in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
DISTRICT personnel are here to help address any mosquito problem your family may be experiencing – call the Elmore County West Nile Hotline.
If there are mosquito breeding areas near your home residents are encouraged to report areas of concern using the Elmore County West Nile Hotline 1-866-884-2891.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the following websites:
