GEM COUNTY, Idaho — Mosquitoes carrying the potentially deadly West Nile virus have now turned up in Gem County. Health leaders say they found only a few mosquitoes with the disease, however.
“District personnel have identified the sources that produce the kind of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus," said Jason Kinley, Director of the Gem County Mosquito Abatement District. "One sample tested positive for the disease during the week of July 20, 2020. This indicates that there is West Nile virus in some mosquitoes in the area, and follows what neighboring counties have already determined during the 2020 mosquito season. The findings do not warrant any substantial deviation from standard operating procedures. Since mosquitoes in the GCMAD jurisdiction have tested positive, it is important that citizens take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes.”
The Mosquito Abatement District is already treating the area with larval and adult stage poison. Fogging is taking place routinely, and district-wide fogging applications will continue in all areas of the district.
The best way to protect yourself from West Nile is to drain any standing water on your property, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors and use insect repellant.
