West Nile Virus & Mosquitoes in Idaho - What You Need to Know

BOISE, Idaho - July 26, 2018 - PRLog -- West Nile Virus is a well-known, sometimes deadly disease transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, after mosquitoes feed on infected birds. It was first seen in North America in 1999, when the first case was reported in New York. Since then, the number of cases has fluctuated, with the highest outbreak in the last 15 years occurring in 2012. Across the US alone, there are many confirmed cases each year. From data gathered by the CDC, over 2,000 confirmed cases just in 2017 resulted in 121 deaths.

The symptoms of West Nile Virus can be severe. In some people that are infected, symptoms are light or even non-existent. However, serious illnesses can develop. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation around the brain and spinal cord), attack the central nervous system. These illnesses can be accompanied by high fever, muscle weakness, convulsions, disorientation, and paralysis. Meningitis and encephalitis can be deadly if left untreated, and recovery can take months even in good circumstances. Hospitalization is required for serious cases. There are no vaccines or antiviral treatments for West Nile Virus.

Instances of West Nile Virus have been seen in Idaho for many years. The number of cases fluctuates from year to year. In the last two years, mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus have been found in several spots adjacent to the Boise river, including Middleton.

As with any disease of this caliber, prevention is crucial. Good preventative measures are important to take in summer, when mosquito populations are at their highest. Eliminating or restricting any standing water around your home will help keep the mosquito population down. When outside, use an EPA registered insect repellant containing DEET. Wear long clothing to limit the amount of exposed skin. Washing clothing in permethrin can add another protective barrier between you and mosquitoes. The species of mosquito most often found to carry West Nile Virus is active at dawn and dusk. Take special care during these times of day if outside.

Because of the short breeding period and the number of eggs laid at one time, mosquito populations can quickly grow out of control. Preventative measures are very helpful, but often not enough. Professional mosquito control in the warmer months is necessary to keep populations down. Government-run mosquito abatement services offer some help, but treatments are not localized or specific to your problem areas.

Get Lost Pest Control offers an effective and safe solution to control mosquitoes, including those carrying West Nile Virus. Using a top of the line backpack sprayer, our technicians apply a fine mist to trees, bushes, and other hard to reach areas which harbor mosquitoes during the day. The products used offer a two-pronged solution- killing adult mosquitoes, and interfering with their ability to reproduce. With a residual effect of 3 to 4 weeks, a handful of treatments will allow you and your family to feel safe through the summer.

If you are seeing mosquitoes around your home this summer, consider a professional mosquito control solution from Get Lost Pest Control. Visit our website today for pricing and our variety of other pest control services!

http://www.getlostpest.com