West Nile cases reported in areas near Elmore Co.

Five Idaho counties, several adjacent to Elmore County, are reporting West Nile virus activity, with a growing number of reports causing concern among public health officials.

Ada, Canyon, Owhyee, Payette and Washington counties have detected West Nile virus in mosquito pools during the last month.

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. Two in Elmore County have died from the disease.

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.

For more information, visit www.westnile.idaho.gov.