- Cover exposed skin when outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin and clothing, and follow instructions on the product label, especially for children under 12.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate standing water that may provide mosquitoes a place to breed.
- Empty birdbaths and clean decorative ponds every three to six days.
- Repair or install screens on window and doors.
- Have horses vaccinated. One-third of horses infected by West Nile virus die.
- Wear latex gloves when field dressing and handling wild game and cook meat thoroughly.
West Nile Virus Surveillance in Salmon Region
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With the arrival of warmer weather and mosquitoes, the Salmon Region of Idaho Department of Fish and Game will continue to cooperate on a four-year-old surveillance program for West Nile virus with the District 7 Health Department and Idaho Department of Agriculture.
West Nile virus is an exotic viral disease that was introduced to North America in the New York City area in 1999. The disease spread across the continental U.S. by 2004 and local transmission of the virus was found in Lemhi and Custer counties in 2006.
West Nile virus is primarily a bird virus that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Horses and humans are accidental hosts and can be susceptible to the virus. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become ill, though some may experience 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 first clue that West Nile virus may be present in an area is presence of dead birds. Three wild bird groups are especially susceptible to the virus - the corvids (crows, ravens, jays, and magpies), birds of prey (hawks, owls, and eagles), and sage-grouse.
These birds are Idaho Fish and Game's primary species of interest - or "target species" - for West Nile virus surveillance. The public is encouraged to report dead birds of these target species and possibly submit them for testing to the Fish and Game Salmon Region office.
When reporting dead corvids, birds of prey or sage-grouse, people will need to describe the type of bird and when and where it was found. If the bird has been dead for less than 48 hours, it may be tested for the virus.
When collecting a fresh specimen for testing, people should use latex or rubber gloves or a plastic bag without touching the bird. Birds should be placed into a plastic bag and then double bagged. Birds can be submitted fresh, refrigerated or frozen to the Fish and Game Salmon Region office. Gloves should be discarded in the trash after use. If birds are not to be submitted for testing, they should be handled as described above and disposed of in the trash.
While the number of bird cases of West Nile virus in Lemhi and Custer counties dropped significantly in 2007, the virus probably is still present. The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites.
Simple tips for prevention include: