Tag: public health

Idaho West Nile Virus Update

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Positive mosquito test results and increasing numbers of specific types of mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (WNV) suggest the risk of catching WNV is on the rise in Idaho.

As of Wednesday, positive mosquito pools have been found in Ada, Canyon, Gem and Washington counties. On Tuesday, Ada County announced plans to conduct limited aerial spraying of pesticide to reduce ever-increasing populations of Culex mosquitoes, the species that transmits West Nile virus to people and animals.  Spraying is expected to occur Thursday or Friday night this week, weather permitting. Continue reading “Idaho West Nile Virus Update” →

Bat in Boise tests positive for rabies

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A bat found in Boise has tested positive for rabies, Central District Health Department reported this afternoon. The dead bat was recently discovered in a residential area in southeast Boise, and is the first one of the year in Idaho to test positive for rabies.

Rabid bats are discovered statewide each year. Public health officials want to remind people to take precautions around bats and make sure that their dogs, cats and horses are up to date on their rabies vaccine. Last year in Idaho, 11 bats and one skunk tested positive for rabies, with two of the bat reports occurring in Ada County, and two in neighboring Canyon County.

“Bats are the main source of rabies exposures in Idaho, and every year we receive reports of rabid bats,” says Sarah Correll, Central District Health Department (CDHD) epidemiologist. “We encourage parents to talk to their children about the importance of not touching bats or other wild animals.”

One warning sign that a bat may carry rabies is daytime activity, which is unusual for healthy bats.

Rabies can cause a fatal illness. People should call their health care provider immediately if they have been bitten or scratched by a bat. Medical therapy given to people soon after a possible rabies exposure is extremely effective in preventing rabies.

To protect yourself and your pets, CDHD offers the following tips:

  • Do not touch a bat with your bare hands.
  • If you have had an encounter with a bat, seek medical attention.
  • If you come in contact with a bat, save the bat in a container without touching it and contact your district health department to arrange testing for rabies. You can wear leather gloves if you must pick it up with your hands. Whenever possible, the bat should be tested to rule out an exposure to rabies.
  • Always vaccinate your pets, including horses. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.
  • Bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging all holes in the siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows.

For more information on bats and rabies, visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.

To track the number of rabid bats in Idaho, visit: http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/DiseasesConditions/RabiesInformation/tabid/176/Default.aspx

Fourth fact: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Are you ready for the Fourth of July? Between now and Saturday, it looks to be hot and dry, so it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge of the precautions to take before lighting fireworks. We would prefer an injury-free, fire-free holiday weekend! 0629_sparkler

Here’s a quick Q&A that covers the basics: Continue reading “Fourth fact: Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.” →

West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes from Canyon County

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Mosquito pool testing for West Nile virus (WNV) has detected additional signs of the virus in Idaho.  The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District reports that mosquitoes collected between Parma and Notus tested positive for WNV over the weekend. Additionally, three traps from several locations in Gem County also show evidence of the virus. Since the first positive test of mosquito pools announced last Thursday, four additional pools have tested positive in less than a week.   Continue reading “West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes from Canyon County” →

West Nile virus discovered in western Idaho

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Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) have been detected in Gem County, prompting public health officials to remind people to take precautions to fight the bite. The positive mosquitoes, which are the first detected in the state this year, were collected by the Gem County Mosquito Abatement District in a trap from the greater Emmett area.

“Disease-carrying mosquitoes will be around now until a killing frost so it is critical that you protect yourself and family members from their bite,” says Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, from the Idaho Division of Public Health.  Continue reading “West Nile virus discovered in western Idaho” →

Record-setting temperatures prompt a public health warning

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Idaho public health officials are encouraging people to be aware and take steps to keep cool in the record-setting heat predicted around the state this weekend and into early next week.

Too much heat and too little water can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, even for otherwise healthy people. Those at the highest risk for heat-related injuries or illness are babies and children up to age 4, people 65 and older, and anyone who is overweight, sick or on certain medications. But everyone should take precautions to stay as cool as possible and modify time spent outdoors in extreme heat. SunHeat

“It’s important to plan your outdoor physical activities for the mornings, when it’s cooler,” said Elke Shaw-Tulloch, state health officer and administrator for the Division of Public Health. “Try to stay in the shade as much as possible, and drink plenty of fluids. Also, be sure to check on neighbors who are elderly or disabled and might need help in extreme heat.”

Advanced age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation and even sunburn also can hinder the body’s ability to cool down in extreme temperatures. Continue reading “Record-setting temperatures prompt a public health warning” →

Possible plague in Owyhee County

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Testing of a vole (commonly called “meadow mouse”) from a die-off of rodents in the Riddle, Idaho area along Highway 51 in southern Owyhee County indicates possible plague. The public is urged to take precautions and report groups of dead rodents as this investigation continues. To date, no human cases of plague have been reported.

A vole. Photo by Evan James hymo/Wikipedia
A vole. Photo by Evan James hymo/Wikipedia

In May, ground squirrels in Ada County southeast of Boise tested positive for plague, and one dog, which had contact with the ground squirrels, tested likely positive for plague. Late last week, possible plague in voles was reported in an area near Highway 19, immediately west of Caldwell. Idaho Department of Fish and Game and public health officials do not believe there is any connection between these three distinct areas. Continue reading “Possible plague in Owyhee County” →

Possible plague found in Canyon County rodents: Vole deaths near Caldwell prompt testing for plague bacteria

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Initial testing of dead voles (commonly called meadow mice) found in an area near Highway 19 immediately west of Caldwell indicates possible plague. The mortality event appears to be localized and not widespread; however Idaho public health officials and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are urging people to take precautions and report groups of dead rodents.

A vole. Photo by Evan James hymo/Wikipedia
A vole. Photo by Evan James hymo/Wikipedia

In May, ground squirrels tested positive for plague in an area southeast of Boise. Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Idaho public health officials don’t believe there is any connection between the two events.

Continue reading “Possible plague found in Canyon County rodents: Vole deaths near Caldwell prompt testing for plague bacteria” →

No plague cases in people, but public health officials still urge precautions

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Plague continues to be a concern in the desert south of Boise, but public health officials are reporting no cases in people and just one domestic dog that is recovering with treatment after it likely contracted the disease.

Even so, precautions are necessary for people who live or recreate in the affected area.  Continue reading “No plague cases in people, but public health officials still urge precautions” →