PARMA, Idaho — Mosquitoes near Parma have tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District announced Tuesday.
The affected mosquitoes were collected in a trap Friday off of Highway 18 southwest of Parma. The insects registered a "very high" West Nile reading, officials say, and the disease was confirmed by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories.
The abatement district will conduct nighttime fogging Tuesday and Wednesday to kill off mosquitoes in the area. Larvicide will also be applied to the wetland areas of Roswell Marsh and nearby flooded fields, weather permitting.
This is an early detection for West Nile virus, with officials noting that warm and dry summer weather may trigger additional discoveries of infected mosquitoes.
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves by draining any standing water on their property, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, using insect repellant, placing screens on doors and windows, and avoiding going outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are more active.
For more information on West Nile, click here.