West Nile Contributes to Death of Payette Woman

A Payette County woman in her 70s has died from complications of West Nile virus. She is the first West Nile virus-related death in Idaho this year. Last year, there were 23 West Nile virus-related deaths of Idaho residents.

“Our hearts go out to the victim and her family,” says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist. “Even though mosquito season is winding down due to cooler temperatures, this shows the importance for all of us to Fight the Bite of mosquitoes.”

West Nile virus is usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus does not generally spread from person-to-person or from infected animals to people. So far this year, 103 people have been reported with West Nile virus in Idaho, with eight of those suffering from the more serious, neuroinvasive form. Last year, Idaho led the nation with over 1,000 West Nile virus infections, including 171 with neuroinvasive illnesses.

While mosquitoes are still active, people should continue to take precautions and cover up exposed skin when outdoors and apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. People are advised to follow instructions on the product label, especially for children.

For more information about West Nile, including infections by county, please visit: www.westnile.idaho.gov.

(For more information please contact Health and Welfare’s Tom Shanahan,
208-334-0668, or your District Health Department Public Information Officer.)