CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — According to a recent news release, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes South of Nampa near Lake Lowell and the confluence of the Boise and Snake Rivers West of Parma.
“This is the 2nd Treasure Valley County reporting positive mosquito pools,” said Jim Lunders, Director of Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District.
Lunders explained that the Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District routinely sets gravid traps and dry ice-baited EVS Traps at over 100 locations throughout Canyon County to monitor for adult mosquito populations and the presence of vector-borne diseases.
The District has tested over 200 mosquito pools for West Nile virus this season. Wednesday’s were the first to test positive.
The areas where the mosquitoes were collected have been treated for both larval and adult mosquitoes. The District has increased control measures in response to the increased public health threat.
“With the increased risk of West Nile virus, we encourage people to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Lunders. He offered the following suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:
Eliminate or treat all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes, such as: flooded fields, birdbaths, wading and swimming pools not in use, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for seven days, it can produce mosquitoes.
Wear repellents outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or 2-undecanone and follow the directions on the container.
Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
Vaccinate horses for WNv, WEE, and other diseases.
Use EPA-registered residual insect sprays on horses and follow the directions on the container.
Have your livestock watering troughs stocked with mosquitofish for free by submitting a service request to CCMAD.
Notify the District at 208-461-8633 if you have a site that is too large to be eliminated so it can be treated.
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