The mosquito-born West Nile Virus has been positively identified in Twin Falls County, in between Twin Falls and Kimberly.

South Central Public Health District officials and the Twin Falls County Pest Abatement District have confirmed a West Nile Virus positive mosquito pool in Twin Falls County. The mosquitoes were caught in district traps between Twin Falls and Kimberly.

Although no human cases have been reported in Twin Falls County, a horse in Gooding County tested positive for the virus.

“West Nile is a potentially serious illness that is usually spread to animals and humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms,” says Logan Hudson, SCPHD Nurse Program Manager. “However, people with symptoms may experience fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash typically occurring 2 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. More severe infections may involve the central nervous system.”

Public Health officials remind individuals to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites:

  • Drain any standing water on your property that may produce mosquitoes.
  • Avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk.
  • Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
  • Defend yourself by using a mosquito repellant containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, such as DEET (follow label directions).
  • And make sure door and window screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

For more information on West Nile, visit SCPHD’s website.

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