BOISE – Health officials say an Elmore County man has tested positive for West Nile virus.
The man in his 50s is still recovering from his illness.
He is the third human in Idaho to be infected with the virus this year.
Health officials are warning the public to be vigilant as mosquito activity in the area is on the increase.
“We’re starting to see an uptick in West Nile activity with more positive mosquito pools and the state’s third human infection,” says Sarah Correll, Epidemiologist at Central District Health.
Correll says now is the time to protect yourself and your family.
Around the country, the U.S. is facing one of the worst outbreaks in years with nearly 400 human West Nile cases, according to the most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control.
An additional 150 people who did not have West Nile symptoms, but donated blood, also tested positive for the virus.
A total of three human cases of West Nile have been reported in Idaho. Two others are from the Twin Falls area.
West Nile is commonly spread by mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee and Payette counties have tested positive for West Nile.
Experts say the best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to wear protective clothing when outdoors, use insect repellent, and to make sure you empty standing water from items outside your home -- like flowerpots, bird baths and toys.
