The Ada County Mosquito Abatement District has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquito populations for the first time in 2021. Samples of collected mosquitoes tested positive for the virus collected near the following intersections in Kuna:
- West Ten Mile Creek Road and South Cole Road.
- East Deer Flat Road and South Cloverdale Road.
- East Corriente Lane and South Kuna-Meridian Road.
The detections prompted truck-mounted mosquito abatement treatments in the areas surrounding the detection sites to prevent human cases of WNV. The abatement district will continue to monitor and treat populations throughout the abatement district boundaries to control mosquito populations and prevent WNV from being transmitted to humans and livestock.
In 2020, the county’s first positive WNV test pool occurred on August 17th. Between April and September last summer, the abatement district identified 11 positive test pools from 9 trap locations. The public plays an important role in preventing the spread of WNV. To help prevent the spread of West Nile virus:
- Drain or dump standing water weekly. For example, dump standing water from flowerpots, planter bases, bird baths, toys, cans, rain gutters, pet dishes, buckets, and old tires.
- Ensure that screen doors and windows are tight-fitting and good condition.
- Avoid overwatering your lawn and landscape.
- Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites. Those are the times when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.
- Dress in long-sleeve shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors when recreating outdoors during dawn and dusk.
- Apply insect repellent following label instructions.
To see where WNV has been found in Ada County in 2021, visit: https://adacounty.id.gov/Mosquito-Abatement, and click on the Mosquito Tracker.
For additional information on WNV and Ada County mosquito control efforts, visit the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District website. To report a mosquito issue, call 208-577-4646, or e-mail the district at: [email protected].