Recent confirmed findings by the CDC and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare show that 2 deadly viruses are active in Idaho this year.

All findings have been in counties in Southern Idaho and have all been on the last 30 days, and it isn't COVID this time.

West Nile Virus and Dengue Confirmed in 5 Idaho Counties

While authorities have confirmed that Dengue and West Nile Virus were found in Idaho this summer, there hasn’t been an outbreak in the state or any confirmed cases in humans. West Nile has only been found in horses, birds, mosquitoes, or asymptomatic blood donors in the following counties: Canyon, Ada, Twin Falls, Bingham, and Bannock.

In mosquito pools, collections found West Nile in Ada County on July 12th and 17th. Bannock had positive tests on July 23rd in two locations and another on the 30th. On July 15th it was discovered in Bingham County, July 24th and August 1st in Canyon County, and 2 more times on August 6th in Canyon County and Twin Falls.

98.3 The Snake logo
Get our free mobile app
Credit Canva
Credit Canva
loading...

1 Idaho County Has Now Reported a Truly Deadly Virus in 2024

Of all the locations where West Nile was discovered, only 1 has also confirmed Dengue this year. Ada County reported the first and only case of the year so far.

Even 1 case can be alarming, though, especially as more than 10 million cases have been diagnosed this year in Central and South America. Both Dengue and West Nile can be deadly. Sources say most humans won’t show severe signs when infected with the viruses. Boise Public Radio reports that many people infected ‘feel terrible’ with ‘fever, very severe body aches, joint pains, and very, very severe headaches’.

RELATED STORY: The Most Deadly Creature in the World is Active in Idaho

Residents can help eliminate the threat of mosquitoes by getting rid of and stagnant or standing water they may have on their property.

Colors To Avoid & Colors To Wear This Mosquito Season

Are mosquitos annoying enough to have their own season of awareness? Yes--yes they are. Here's a look at colors to wear and others to avoid if you don't want to be covered in itchy red bumps this summer

Gallery Credit: Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

10 Plants To Keep Mosquitoes Away

Here are some things you might want to plant in your garden this summer.

Gallery Credit: Andi Ahne

More From 98.3 The Snake