Well it's just the beginning of West Nile Season and already the centers for disease control report shows as of July 8th... 22 people have been affected by the virus nationwide, but no deaths reported.
Southeast Idaho communities have been testing for the virus and one mosquito has come back positive... Eyewitness news reporter Hasti Taghi joins us now from the Pocatello newsroom with that story...
That mosquito was found in American Falls... The Disease Control Agency that trapped the insect tells me every measure will be taken to help reduce the cases of west Nile but the disease will not be going away anytime soon.

"west Nile is here to stay...it's just a matter of how bad it becomes." -Tim Bennett, Vector Disease Control

And that is just what southeast Idaho Communities are trying to combat... The disease is a potentially fatal disease easily spread between infected mosquito's and humans. It is spread to mosquito's from birds. With the first case of this years disease found in American Falls... the public is advised to be aware of the situation...

"We're requesting that the citizens just keep covered up when they are around areas with mosquito's and use a good repellent"-Ken Estep, Power County Commissioner

Southeast Idaho counties are taking a proactive approach by setting up these mosquito traps and testing regularly. Certain counties are in the interim disease district and will vote to have special procedures to fight the bite.
There is no real cure for the disease and only about 1 in 150 people infected will become severely ill but the health department says it should be taken very seriously.

"Avoiding times when mosquito's are present, especially dusk and dawn and even on their own properties if they have standing water they should drain it so mosquito's don't bread in them." - Steve Pew, SE Idaho Health Department

West Nile is considered a seasonal virus and the height of the infections occur between late July and early September.

"Right now we continue with abatement programs, continue with surveillance and react when we find positives. We try to maintain the best mosquito control possible."

Symptoms of West Nile Virus are flu-like. Although there is no real cure for the disease severe cases need to receive supportive treatment in a hospital. If you believe you have been bitten and have any of these symptoms you should contact a doctor immediately.

Helpful Links:
www.cdc.gov/WestNile
www.usgs.gov/west_nile_virus.html
www.usgs.gov/west_nile_virus.html