More Cases of West Nile Found in Treasure Valley

PARMA, Idaho (KTVB) -- Mosquitoes collected from a trap in Canyon County have tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials announced Monday.

The insects were taken from a trap in the Dixie Flats area along Boise River Road, between Parma and Notus. The Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District will begin ultra low volume "fogging" tonight in Parma, Notus and the surrounding area. The spraying will be done at night through the end of the week.

The abatement district says recent high temperatures have contributed to a spike in mosquitoes that carry certain strains of West Nile. Larvicide operations have been ongoing, according to District Director Ed Burnett. Mosquitoes infected with the virus were found last week near Emmett in Gem County.

West Nile is most often contracted through mosquito bites. People can protect themselves against the illness by draining standing water, using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants outside or avoiding the outdoors during dawn and dusk, and installing screens on windows or doors.