Idaho’s first two human West Nile virus infections this year were identified in a female Canyon County resident who is over the age of 60 and a male Ada County resident who is also over the age of 60 on Monday, Aug. 26.
According to Central District Health, the Canyon County person was hospitalized with the infection but has been discharged.
So far this year, West Nile Virus activity has been detected in six Idaho counties, three of them in Southwest District Health’s and Central District Health’s regions.
West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can lead to severe disease in some people.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and, sometimes, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.
Infection can result in severe illness, especially in people 50 years or older, leading to hospitalization and even death.
Last year, 36 human West Nile Virus infections were reported statewide.
