Twin Falls senior is Idaho’s first West Nile death this year

A senior Twin Falls resident died from West Nile, becoming Idaho’s first death from the virus this year, state health officials announced Friday.

Infected mosquitoes spread West Nile virus through bites. Virus activity has been detected this year in mosquitoes in seven southern Idaho counties and Malheur County in Oregon, according to a news release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The virus has been found in Canyon County and Ada County. But not all counties test mosquitoes. 

Idaho health officials encourage people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites while outdoors and on their properties.

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“We strongly encourage Idahoans to fight the bite of mosquitoes to protect themselves and their families,” Deputy State Epidemiologist Kathy Turner said in a statement. “This tragic death from West Nile virus is a good reminder for all of us to take protective measures against mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants outside and use insect repellent. Around your home and yard, reduce standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.”

Most people infected with West Nile don’t feel sick. A fifth of people infected develop a fever and other symptoms like a headache, body aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen lymph glands or a rash. 

The risk of severe illness is higher for older people and people who have some medical conditions. Severe illness can affect the brain and spinal cord, and can lead to hospitalization or death. Officials encourage people who believe they are sick with West Nile to contact their health care provider.

SUB: Tips to avoid West Nile virus

To avoid West Nile infections, Health and Welfare encourages people to:

• Avoid mosquitoes, especially when they are most active between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin, an insecticide. 
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin. Find repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and follow product instructions carefully. Find repellents online using the EPA’s search tool or a CDC chatbot.
• Use mosquito netting to cover strollers and baby carriers. 

People should also take steps to mitigate mosquitos on their property, Health and Welfare suggests, including:

• If your home has damaged screens, repair or replace them.
• Mosquitos like to breed in standing water. Reduce standing water on your property, like for toys, trays or pots outdoors that can hold water. For bird baths, static decorative ponds and animal water tanks, change water weekly to prevent mosquito larvae from maturing into adults.
• Find more tips online on Health and Welfare’s website.