TWIN FALLS COUNTY, Idaho — The South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) has announced that the Twin Falls County Pest Abatement District (TFCPAD), detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes near the Snake River, on the border of Jerome and Twin Falls counties.
"Mosquitos are very active this time of year and they love to nest in backyards if given the chance," said Aaron Ursenbach, Twin Falls County Pest Abatement District Manager. "Now is the time to reduce mosquito habitat on your property and avoid mosquitoes when they are most active at dusk and dawn."
Officials are reminding people to protect themselves from bites. They recommend the following:
Using insect repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitos carrying the virus are most active.
Wearing loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants.
Installing screens on all windows and doors.
Checking for, and draining, any standing water around your home every three to six days. This includes clogged rain gutters, pools, bird baths, old tires and other outside water features.
Symptoms of West Nile include; headache, fever, joint pins, body aches, rash, diarrhea and vomiting. The virus can also impact the central nervous system.
"West Nile virus can be painful and uncomfortable," said Jacob Ward, SCPHD Epidemiologist. "In some cases, people can develop serious, and even fatal, health side effects from the disease. Reducing your risk of bites also reduces your risk of catching this disease."
