TWIN FALLS COUNTY, ID – The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has confirmed the state’s first West Nile virus-related death of the year. The victim was a Twin Falls County resident over the age of 65.

Health officials report that West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes has been detected in seven southern Idaho counties and neighboring Malheur County, Oregon, though not all counties conduct mosquito testing. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Kathy Turner urged residents to take preventive measures. “This tragic death from West Nile virus is a good reminder for all of us to take protective measures against mosquito bites,” Turner said. Recommended precautions include wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, applying EPA-registered insect repellent, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five experience fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, or rash, while roughly one in 150 develop severe illness affecting the brain and spinal cord. Severe cases can require hospitalization and can be fatal, with older adults and those with certain health conditions at higher risk.

Residents are advised to avoid mosquito exposure, particularly between dusk and dawn, and to maintain protective measures such as repairing window screens, covering strollers and baby carriers with netting, and replacing standing water in bird baths and animal water tanks weekly.

More information is available at westnile.idaho.gov .