TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KBOI) - Idaho health officials said Monday that an Idaho woman has tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The woman, from Twin Falls County, is the first human case reported in Idaho in 2012. She's described to be in her 40s and has recovered.
Since mid-July, three Idaho counties in southwest Idaho-- Ada, Canyon and Payette have reported West Nile virus Activity in local mosquitoes.
"It is very important that we all prevent mosquito bites and take protective measures, such as wearing repellent and reducing mosquito breeding habitat around our homes," said Dr. Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist.
West Nile virus is usually contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito; it is not spread from person-to-person through casual contact.
Symptoms of infection often include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. In some cases the virus can cause severe illness, especially in people over the age of 50.