Idaho gets first human infection this year of West Nile virus

COEUR d'ALENE — Idaho’s first human West Nile virus infection this year was identified in a Washington County resident over the age of 50 on Thursday.

This person has been hospitalized with the infection but is recovering and being discharged, a Friday press release said.

So far this year, WNV activity in mosquitoes has been detected in nine Idaho counties, seven of them in south and southwestern counties. WNV has also been detected in mosquitoes in neighboring Malheur County, Ore.

WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can lead to severe disease in some people.

“We strongly encourage Idahoans to fight the bite of mosquitoes to protect themselves and their families,” said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, state public health veterinarian.

Protective measures against mosquito bites include wearing insect repellent and protective clothing in addition to reducing standing water around gardens and homes.

Symptoms of WNV infection often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.

Last year, three human WNV infections were reported statewide.