FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ada County Weed, Pest, Mosquito Abatement (208) 577-4646
July 28, 2026
West Nile Virus Detected in Ada County Mosquitoes
BOISE, Idaho — The Ada County Mosquito Abatement District has confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes during the 2026 mosquito season. The virus was detected in mosquito samples collected near West Hillcrest Drive in Boise.
Following confirmation of the positive samples, the District conducted targeted truck-mounted adult mosquito control treatments in the surrounding area to reduce mosquito populations and help prevent the transmission of West Nile virus to residents, visitors, and livestock. Surveillance and mosquito control efforts will continue throughout the District as mosquito activity and virus levels are closely monitored.
Although most people infected with West Nile virus do not become ill, some may develop fever, headache, body aches, rash, or fatigue. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological illness. The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding habitat around homes and businesses.
Residents can help reduce mosquito populations and protect themselves by taking the following precautions:
• Drain or dump standing water at least once each week. Empty water from flowerpots, planter trays, bird baths, children’s toys, buckets, pet dishes, old tires, clogged rain gutters, and other containers that collect water.
• Maintain window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
• Avoid overwatering lawns and landscaping, which can create mosquito breeding habitat.
• Limit outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably light-colored clothing, when outdoors during peak mosquito activity.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to the product label instructions.
Residents can view current West Nile virus detections and mosquito surveillance activity by using the Mosquito Tracker available on the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District website:
https://adacounty.id.gov/weedpestmosquito/mosquito-abatement/
For additional information about West Nile virus, mosquito prevention, and current mosquito control activities, visit the Ada County Mosquito Abatement District website.
