West Nile virus detected in North Idaho

BONNERS FERRY — Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in Boundary County.

The infected mosquitoes were discovered July 19 as part of the county’s Mosquito Abatement Program. It’s the first  detection of WNV in northern Idaho, according to a Panhandle Health District press release.

With the discovery of the infected mosquitos, PHD officials advised residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

In 2006, Idaho led the nation in West Nile illnesses with almost 1,000 infections, which contributed to 23 deaths. In 2013, 40 human cases were reported in 16 counties, and there were two deaths. In 2013 and to date in 2014, there have been no human cases of WNV in the five northern counties of Idaho.

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