Mosquitos trapped in Ada County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District.
The officials have confirmed the West Nile virus in mosquitos for the first time in Ada County this year.
Two pools of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus came from mosquitoes trapped in Garden City near the cross streets of W. Riverside Drive and Lakemont Lane, and in East Boise near the cross streets of Bown Crossing and Parkcenter Way.
Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid being bitten. Precautions include draining any standing water on your property and wearing repellent when outdoors, health officials said.
West Nile virus is a potentially severe illness that is usually spread to animals and humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Although most infections do not cause symptoms, one out of five who become infected with West Nile virus show symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for only a few days -- or may last for several weeks.
Symptoms typically occur from two to fourteen days after the bite from an infected mosquito. There is no specific treatment, but in more severe cases, people usually need hospitalization.
