{"id":2836,"date":"2023-08-07T12:17:56","date_gmt":"2023-08-07T18:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ihcca.org\/home\/?p=2836"},"modified":"2026-01-02T12:30:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T19:30:43","slug":"dwh-news-release-first-human-infection-of-west-nile-virus-in-idaho-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ihcca.org\/home\/dwh-news-release-first-human-infection-of-west-nile-virus-in-idaho-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"DWH News Release: First human infection of West Nile virus in Idaho this year"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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NEWS RELEASE–FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>

Date: August 4, 2023<\/strong><\/p>

Media Contacts:<\/strong>
Greg Stahl, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Greg.Stahl@dhw.idaho.gov<\/a>
208-334-0766<\/p>

Monique Evancic, \u00a0Southwest District Health<\/p>

Monique.Evancic@phd3.idaho.gov<\/a>
208-800-1262\u00a0<\/p>

First human infection of West Nile virus in Idaho this year<\/h1>

Idaho\u2019s first human West Nile virus (WNV) infection this year was identified in a Washington County resident over the age of 50 on Thursday, Aug. 3. This person has been hospitalized with the infection but is recovering and being discharged home. So far this year, WNV activity in mosquitoes has been detected in nine Idaho counties, seven of them in south and southwestern counties. WNV has also been detected in mosquitoes in neighboring Malheur County, Ore.<\/p>

WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can lead to severe disease in some people.<\/p>

\u201cWe strongly encourage Idahoans to fight the bite of mosquitoes to protect themselves and their families,\u201d said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, state public health veterinarian. \u201cConfirmation of a human infection is a good reminder for all of us to take protective measures against mosquito bites. This includes wearing insect repellent and protective clothing in addition to reducing standing water around our gardens and homes where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.\u201d<\/p>

Symptoms of WNV infection often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. Infection can result in severe illness, especially in people 50 years or older, leading to hospitalization and even death. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing for WNV to confirm your illness.<\/p>

Last year, three human WNV infections were reported statewide. WNV activity in mosquitoes, horses, or people was reported in seven counties. WNV infections that might be reported each year are difficult to predict as some cases might not seek testing, but in the last five years, 11 cases have been reported each year, on average.<\/p>

To protect against WNV infection, people should avoid mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. In addition, everyone should:<\/p>