Elmore County resident contracts West Nile virus

Five Idaho residents, including one from Elmore County, 20 horses, and one bird have tested positive for West Nile virus in Idaho during the past week.

That brings the state's total number of West Nile reports to nine people, 66 horses, and 10 birds positively identified with the disease during 2005.

So far this year West Nile virus has been found in Ada, Adams, Blaine, Canyon, Gem, Gooding, Elmore, Lincoln, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties.

Blaine and Elmore counties were added to the list for the first time this year, indicating the virus continues to spread across Idaho.

"Although West Nile virus infections are usually mild, four of the human cases are known to have required hospitalization," said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, Deputy State Epidemiologist for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

'This, shows us that West Nile infection can have serious health consequences, especially in people over the age of 50. We urge everyone to take precautions to protect their health and fight the bite of mosquitoes."

It is not believed that the person who tested positive for West Nile virus in Elmore County required hospitalization. That person is believed to have been detected as having had the disease during a routine screening of a blood donation, and did not display any symptoms of the disease.

For most people infected with the disease, West Nile manifests itself as a flu-like illness, with the symptons ranging from almost non-existent to severe. Only in rare cases, usually those involving older people or those with immune disorders, is the disease fatal to humans.

West Nile virus was first discovered in the United States in 1999 in the New York City area. Since then, the virus has spread westward and can be found throughout the country. Last year, 11 of Idaho's 44 counties reported West Nile activity.

The disease is transmitted from infected birds to people and animals via mosquito bites.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, Tengelsen advises people to:

* Insect-proof their homes by repairing or replacing screens;

* Reduce standing water on their property that provides mosquito breeding habitat, such as bird baths and decorative ponds;

* Cover up exposed skin when outdoors;

* Apply insect repellent approved by the EPA to exposed skin and clothing. Follow instructions on the product label, especially for children;

* Avoid mosquitoes when they are most active at dawn and dusk; and

* Report dead birds to the local Fish and Game office.

West Nile virus does not appear to affect most animals, including dogs and cats, but can cause severe illness in horses and certain species of birds. Although there is not a vaccine available for people, there are several vaccines for horses.

Approximately one-third of horses which contract West Nile virus will die, so horse owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian about vaccinating their animals. Horse owners who suspect West Nile viral infection in their animal should contact their veterinarian immediately.

Additional information about the virus is available from the Department of Health and Welfare's web site at www.westnile.idaho.gov.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture's Urban Pest Management program also has information available on steps to prevent home-grown mosquito infestations. Information is available on ISDA's web site at www.idahoag.us.