BOISE, Idaho — On Monday, the Ada and Canyon County Mosquito Abatement Districts announced that they have confirmed that several mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Boise and in two locations in Canyon County
Officials said the mosquitoes in Boise were collected off of Five Mile Road and Edna Street. In Canyon County mosquitoes that tested positive were found just north of Nampa and near Wilder.
In response to the confirmed positive tests in Boise, the Ada County Abatement District will now use truck-mounted abatement treatments in the area to help prevent anyone from getting infected with West Nile.
The Canyon County Abatement District said the mosquitoes were collected on the week of August 10.
"With the increased risk of West Nile virus we encourage people to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites," Jim Lunders, the director Canyon County Mosquito Abatement, said in a statement.
Officials added that there are several steps people can take to help prevent the spread of West Nile to humans:
- Drain or dump standing water weekly.
- Make sure that screen doors and windows are tight-fitting and good condition.
- Avoid overwatering lawns and landscapes.
- Limit outdoor activities during mornings and evenings, when the mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, to prevent mosquito bites.
- Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors when recreating outdoors during evenings and mornings.
