• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

The West Nile Virus continues to spread in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare confirm there are now a total of eight cases with five of the people reporting severe illnesses from the virus.

Southwest District Health workers said there's a rise in cases of the virus because of this year’s warm winter and hot summer weather.

According to experts, there’s about twice as many people infected, compared to last year.

Health experts said the West Nile Virus has now spread to 10 counties, and several people from Gem and Payette County have been infected.

Experts want to remind you that one bite can infect a person. So, protect your house from mosquitoes by reducing standing water in your yard and checking your screen windows, and if you own a horse, vaccinate your horse.  Also, avoid going out between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Southwest District Health Spokesperson Laurie Boston said campers, hunters, sports eunthusiasts, farmers, who are harvesting their crops or people, who walk early in the morning, may be affected.

Nurse Jennifer Tripp said if people need to go out at dusk or dawn, they should wear loose fitting long sleeves to avoid mosquito bites. You can also use mosquito repellent when you’re outdoors.

The virus usually affects people over the age of 50. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a skin rash. The virus, in rare cases, can be deadly, so if you experience these symptoms after getting bit by a mosquito, make sure to contact your physician.