More West Nile cases reported

By Ronald Bond — Argus Observer
Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:13 AM PDT

Weiser — Two more probable cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Idaho in the last week, bringing the number of cases statewide to four.

A female in Washington County recently showed symptoms of the disease and was tested. The female, in her mid-30s, is not in the hospital and her West Nile virus test results will not be confirmed until either late this week or early next week, Southwest District Health Public Information Officer Laurie Boston said.

The other case was confirmed in Ada County last week. According to a press release by Central District Health, the individual was a male in his 50s and was tested for the disease late in June. The case was reported to Central District Health early this month, and the agency completed its investigation July 12, according to the press release. The man is currently recovering at home.

Central District Health Public Information Officer Dave Fotsch said this case was more unusual because the man had no recollection of being bit by a mosquito this year.

“The other factor is Ada County has the most extensive testing for mosquitoes, (and) so far hasn’t turned up any positive for West Nile,” Fotsch said.

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He said it would be possible, but very unusual, for the man to have been bitten last year and not show symptoms until this year.

“What’s more likely was he was bit this year and just didn’t know it,” Fotsch said. “It’s most likely, but we can’t say with 100 percent certainty that that’s the case.”