Heading outdoors? Fight the bite

Idaho mosquito abatement districts are reporting increased mosquito populations throughout the state, prompting public health officials to remind people to take precautions and "fight the bite" against West Nile virus.

"We are hearing of a lot of mosquito activity throughout the state and this is a timely warning for people to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites," says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist. "West Nile virus is part of our ecosystem and can cause serious illness. Infections occur when mosquitoes are active - and they are active now."

Cynthia Taggart, Panhandle Health District spokeswoman, said there are no mosquito abatement districts in North Idaho "but there are also few mosquitoes, and we're not seeing any of the species that carries the West Nile Virus."

The 10 northern counties of the state have remained relatively untouched by West Nile Virus, she said.

"The few cases we've had were in people who caught it outside the area, and that was confirmed when no more cases materialized," Taggart said.

We are not seeing an increase in mosquitoes, according to Dave Hylsky, one of PHD's staff epidemiologists. But that could change as soon as temperatures rise.

It's been so cold and wet and uninviting to mosquitoes, but all the rain, including the downpours of the past week, is filling toys and containers in yards.

All that will become standing water which turns into mosquito breeding grounds as the weather warms. So PHD is encouraging people to make sure they dump standing water, cover any holes in window screens, wear repellent that contains DEET or other EPA-approved repellent and follow the instructions on the container, and stay inside or cover exposed skin if they're outside at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

It's important to remember that people in North Idaho have no immunity to WNV because it hasn't been here. That makes it even more important to take preventive measures, Taggart said.

West Nile virus is usually contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito; it is not spread from person-to-person through casual contact.

Symptoms of infection often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. In some cases the virus can cause severe illness, especially in people over the age of 50. In 2006, Idaho led the nation in West Nile illnesses with almost 1,000 infections, which contributed to 23 deaths.

To reduce the likelihood of infection, people are advised to avoid mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when they are most active. In addition, you should:

• 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; and

• Reduce standing water on your property. Check and drain toys, trays or pots outdoors which may hold water; and

• Change bird baths and static decorative ponds weekly as they may provide a suitable mosquito breeding habitat.

West Nile virus does not usually affect domestic animals, including dogs and cats, but can cause severe illness in horses and certain species of birds.

Although there is no vaccine available for people, there are several vaccines available for horses. People are advised to keep their horses vaccinated annually.

Info: www.westnile.idaho.gov