Mosquitoes collected in a trap recently during a routine surveillance of mosquitoes on the Fort Hall Reservation have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) by the Fort Hall Reservation’s Mosquito Abatement Program, operated by Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), LLC.
According to Agricultural Resource Management (ARM) Program Manager, Matthew Broncho, “Given the hot weather and relatively high populations of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Hall Reservation and the surrounding counties has been expected, and we are prepared to deal with the situation accordingly. The early detection of WNV in mosquitoes is one of the primary reasons for our comprehensive mosquito surveillance and control program. We set mosquito traps throughout the Fort Hall Reservation every week in order to test for West Nile virus and to determine which control activities need to be undertaken in what areas.”
In response to this finding VDCI, LLC has increased the number of mosquito traps, larval control/treatment activities, and spraying for adult mosquitoes in the area by truck. Our quick response to the current situation should interrupt the infection cycle within the mosquito population. VDCI, LLC will continue surveillance and treatment in the Fort Hall area in order to protect residences from WNV.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes ARM program has stepped up surveillance in the wetland “bottoms” area looking for obvious signs of WVN in dead or sick small animals such as magpies, crows, starlings, squirrels, and/or horses and no signs were found to-date. In order to reduce mosquito larvae in the area irrigation water flow in canals and ditches have been reduced. The Tribes have notified residences within identified areas of WNV and shall provide residences within the identified area with resources to help protect themselves from mosquitoes and West Nile Virus.
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), LLC continues to urge all residents to take any appropriate actions necessary to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites.
All Tribal Residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves from West Nile virus:
· DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and always follow label instructions for use, especially with children.
· DRAIN all sources of standing water that may support mosquito-breeding habitats.
· DOOR and window screens should fit tight and be in good repair. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
· DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors, since this is when mosquitoes are most active.
· DRESS Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing while outdoors, especially long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks.
SYMPTOMS
West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans, horses, birds, and other animals by infected mosquitoes after the mosquitoes have bitten infected birds, which are the primary hosts of the virus. Most people bitten by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes experience either no symptoms, or possibly a short period of mild flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of human West Nile virus infections typically begin within 14 days following the insect bite and consist of low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, and headaches.
In rare but severe cases, symptoms can include high fever, neck pain, severe headache, a rash on the torso, and disorientation, which may be signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). If such symptoms occur, residents should seek immediate medical attention from a physician. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection; avoiding mosquito bites and a comprehensive integrated mosquito management program is the best prevention.
If you have any questions regarding this incident, please contact the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes ARM Program at 208-478-3878.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the following websites:
West Nile Virus Information
http://www.westnile.idaho.gov
http://www.vdci.net