West Nile virus returns to Elmore County

The West Nile virus has returned to Elmore County, based on lab tests completed last week that positively identified the presence of the virus from a sample of mosquitoes collected at a test site near Prairie.

Last year there were 65 documented cases of West Nile virus and three confirmed deaths from the virus in Elmore County.

This is the first case to be confirmed in the county this year, according to the Elmore County Mosquito Task Force, and one of only two cases found in the state. The other case was found in Gem County.

Recent hot temperatures have created favorable conditions for the hatching of mosquito larvae in all areas of the county.

"This is exactly the kind of information we've been waiting for to better inform our decisions on mosquito abatement efforts throughout the county," said Marsha Sellers, Task Force Chairperson.

Local officials are taking an aggressive approach to mosquito abatement this year, utilizing different methods of control to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the county that may be carrying the potentially deadly virus.

"The best method of mosquito control remains the elimination of the standing water they breed in," Sellers said. "Ideally, mosquito abatement efforts try to kill the larvae before they reach adulthood and are able to fly."

Property owners can receive free treatments from the Elmore County Extension office for suspected mosquito breeding areas, typically shallow standing pools of water.

Some large or small problem areas that residents should monitor for mosquito activity include backyard ponds, birdbaths, tires that may collect water, pet dishes and flowerpot decorations at grave sites.

"You can do a simple test with standing water to check for mosquito larvae," explained Extension Educator Mir Seyedbagheri, "just drop a rock in the water and if you see movement, most likely they are mosquito larvae." Standing water is defined as water that has been still for three days.

The county uses three methods to control mosquitos and treat problem areas:

*Mosquito dunks -- an organically safe insecticide tablet that can treat 430 square feet and is almost 100 percent effective in killing mosquito larvae within 48 hours. Available free from the Extension office to self treat areas or assistance is available for treatment.

*Altosid pellets -- can be used to treat larger areas with mosquito larvae and typically provides protection for about 30 days. Treatment can be requested at no charge through the extension office. This is an organically safe insecticide that can also be found at retail locations.

*Fogging machine -- effective on larger areas for eliminating adult mosquitoes.

*Aerial spray -- least cost effective method and used primarily for larger infected areas. Last line of defense because it kills all insects in the treated area, including the "good bugs".

Seyedbagheri noted that the county has treated 50 different areas so far this year.

"This is a top priority for the county and the Commissioners are allocating the necessary resources to provide effective mosquito abatement controls." assured Nick Schilz, Elmore County Disaster Services, "Awareness and education are two things that will make a big impact on our efforts to prevent large mosquito hatching outbreaks in the county."

"In hot areas, a mosquito can hatch in four days and migrate up to 15 miles, "explained Seyedbagheri, "so time is of the essence. It is everybody's responsibility to help prevent hatches."

Information about mosquito abatement and treatment and the West Nile virus is available at the County Extension office, and educational presentations can be requested for schools and civic groups by calling the Mosquito Hotline toll-free number at 1-866-884-2891 or 587-2136 extension 509.