Michael Meier, Director
Emergency Management
Public Information Officer
483 Parker Canyon Rd
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
208-304-7839
mmeier@boundarycountyid.org
BOUNDARY COUNTY
Public Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people to take steps to prevent West
Nile virus infections. Outbreaks of West Nile virus disease occur each summer in the United
States. This year, some areas of the country are experiencing earlier and greater activity.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. In the United States, most
people are infected from June through September, and the number of these infections usually
peaks in mid-August. Seasonal outbreaks often occur in local areas that can vary from year to
year. Many factors impact when and where outbreaks occur, such as weather, numbers of
mosquitoes that spread the virus, and human behavior.
"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, M.D.,
M.P.H., medical epidemiologist with CDC's Arboviral Diseases Branch. "Regardless of the
reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area
and take action to protect themselves and their family."
The best way to prevent West Nile virus disease is to avoid mosquito bites:
• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if you have it.
• Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets, and
Kiddy pools.
Approximately 1 in 5 people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such
as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent
will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the
brain or surrounding tissues). About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection
due to West Nile virus will die.
Fight the Bite: Reduce your risk
Avoid West Nile virus by avoiding mosquito bites this summer
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Other than an itchy bite mark, what's the risk of getting bitten by a mosquito?
In Idaho, the most common mosquito-borne infection is West Nile virus acquired from the
bite of a contaminated mosquito. Last season in Idaho, West Nile virus was detected in
25 symptomatic people, eight horses or other mammals, three birds and there were
positive tests of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus from 13 different counties.
Fortunately, there were no human deaths.
Who might get sick?
Everyone who plans to be outside this summer and fall should be thinking about how to
avoid mosquito bites. We tend to see the most human illnesses from the virus in July and
August, but every year is unique. Everyone bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus could
get infected and some can become quite ill. About 80 percent of people infected with the
virus don't feel sick, but 20 percent can suffer everything from mild to severe illness, and
even death. The most serious form of the illness tends to develop in people older than 50
or those with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Even so,
everyone who is bitten by mosquitoes can potentially get very sick. That's why it's so
important to do whatever you can to avoid mosquito bites.
What are the symptoms?
There are two forms of illness associated with the virus; a relatively mild disease called
West Nile fever, and a more serious form, called West Nile neuWroinvasive disease. The
most common symptoms associated with West Nile fever include headache, body aches,
fever, sometimes a rash, and swollen glands. The symptoms may last for days or linger
for months. For a very small number of people, serious illness infecting the brain
or spinal cord can happen; this is what happens with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. If
you have severe symptoms, it's important to contact your doctor
What can we do to avoid mosquito bites?
Do your best to avoid mosquito bites, specifically between dusk and dawn when
mosquitoes are most active. You can do the following things to reduce your chances of being bitten:
• Cover up exposed skin when you're outdoors and apply DEET or another EPA-
approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Be sure to follow
instructions on the product label, especially for children.
• Repair or replace torn screens so insects can't get inside your home.
• Get rid of standing water on your property because it provides mosquito habitat.
This includes changing the water in bird baths, decorative ponds and other water containers weekly.
• If you have horses, make sure they are vaccinated against the disease. The virus can be potentially deadly for them as well.
West Nile infected mosquitoes have been found in Boundary County over the past few years. In years past Boundary County has had several horse infections, which some resulted in death. Horses should be vaccinated.
For more information please visit http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
For more information please visit http://westnile.idaho.gov
