St. Louis-Encephalatis virus found in Gem County mosquitoes

With the drop in temperature, comes the drop in the mosquito population; but one mosquito trap in Gem County is throwing an "end of season" curve ball. 

Mosquitoes trapped in two locations in Gem County have tested positive for the St. Louis Encephalitis virus. 

The virus, like West Nile, is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. More severe symptoms of the virus can include paralysis.

"The good thing is, we can respond to St. Louis [Encephalitis] the same way we do for West Nile," said Ed Burnett, Canyon County Mosquito Abatement Director. "The response as far as controlling the species of mosquito that carries it. If you can control the mosquito, then obviously you can control the disease." 

The areas where the infected mosquitoes were located are currently being treated, but treatments have been hampered by weather conditions.