The good news is there's lots of water in Idaho this spring; the bad news is all that water is potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and some mosquitoes may carry West Nile virus.
The first signs of the virus probably will not show up until mid to late summer. But spring cleanup outside the home, is a good opportunity for some prevention. Simple tips include:
- Eliminate standing water around your home that may provide mosquitoes a place to breed, such as old tires, empty cans, wheelbarrows, livestock troughs and anything else that can hold a little water undisturbed.
- Empty birdbaths and clean decorative ponds every three to six days, or use an agent to kill mosquito larva.
- Repair or install screens on your home.
- If you have a horse, vaccinate it. One-third of horses infected by West Nile virus die.
- Cover up exposed skin when outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET to your exposed skin and clothing.
- Follow instructions on the product label, especially for children under 12.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Only a fraction of the mosquito population carries the virus, and only a few people who get bitten and infected get sick.
Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become ill, though some may experience a mild fever, headaches and body aches. Fewer than 1 percent of people infected with West Nile will suffer serious complication such as inflammation of the brain or paralysis. In severe cases, infection can lead to death.
The West Nile virus was discovered in New York in 1999 and spread rapidly across the country. It now is found in all 48 continental states. The virus showed up in Idaho at a commercial fish farm in the Hagerman valley in November 2003. One worker at the farm tested positive, making him the first person to acquire West Nile in Idaho.
The best protection against the virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Officials encourage people to take a few simple precautions against mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using insect repellent that contains DEET.
Dead birds - especially crows, jays, magpies, blackbirds, hawks and eagles - are the first clue that the virus has reached an area. The Idaho departments of Health and Welfare and Fish and Game have developed a surveillance protocol to track reports of dead birds. And Fish and Game's wildlife lab in Caldwell tests birds for the virus.
Please report dead birds to your local Fish and Game office.
