West Nile Virus Found as Mosquitoes Swarm the Treasure Valley

Mosquitoes are in abundance this year and one of the worst fear associated with an increase of these pesky bugs is West Nile Virus, which has now been discovered in Canyon County.

Mosquitoes near Parma have tested positive for West Nile Virus according to the Mosquito Abatement District. Even more disturbing, the mosquitoes tested off of HWY18 tested "very high" in the West Nile readings.

To combat the problem, fogging will be conducted tonight and tomorrow night and according to KTVB larvacide will be placed on the wetland areas of Roswell Marsh and nearby flooded fields.

A wet Spring and warm, dry Summer makes creates a perfect breeding ground for mosquitos, so it is not unexpected that more cases of mosquitos with West Nile Virus may turn up.

If you are unfamiliar with West Nile Virus, it's important to realize that 8 out of 10 people don't have any symptoms. About 1 in 5 will develop a fever, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, and/or fatigue that can last months.

In small cases, according to the CDC, about 1 in every 150 people infected will develop an inflammation of the brain or meningitis.

Please, let this serve as a warning to use bug spray with DEET consistently this season as you enjoy all that Idaho has to offer.