A pool of West Nile positive mosquitoes was found in Elmore County Friday.
Central District Health announced a single pool mosquitoes carrying the virus were identified in Prairie, Idaho. Since the discovery, the Elmore County Mosquito Abatement District treated the area where the mosquitoes were found, CDH announced.
Mosquito traps are routinely set and samples are collected weekly throughout the county. This year, 27 traps were set and this is the first positive sample discovered, according to CDH.
No other county within CDH's jurisdiction (Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley Counties) have reported positive West Nile virus pools this season, but Canyon and Gem County have reported positive samples of the virus.
To protect yourself against West Nile Virus, CDH recommends the following:
- Cover up exposed skin when outdoors and apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Carefully follow instructions on the product label, especially for children.
- Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing screens.
- Reduce standing water on your property; check and drain toys, trays or pots outdoors that may hold water and harbor mosquito eggs.
- Change birdbaths, static decorative ponds, and animal water tanks weekly because they may provide a suitable mosquito habitat.
