GOVERNOR RISCH GRANTS CANYON COUNTY’S WEST NILE
VIRUS ASSISTANCE REQUEST

BOISE – Governor Jim Risch today signed a state disaster proclamation that will assist Canyon County in their fight against the West Nile Virus.  Canyon County Commissioners voted to seek state assistance last Friday.

In a Monday morning meeting Governor Risch met with Canyon County Commissioner Matt Beebe and Canyon County Mosquito Abatement District Director Ed Burnett, who laid out the need for state assistance to the Governor.  Canyon County leads the state in the number of reported humans infected with the West Nile Virus at 40.

“I am satisfied that Canyon County’s request for state assistance is justified,” said Risch.  “There is a need for additional resources to combat the West Nile Virus that is greater than what the county can provide.  The declaration I signed today will allow the expenditure of state money to assist Canyon County in their battle against the disease.”

While Canyon County has a Mosquito Abatement District it only covers approximately 24 square miles, primarily on the east end of Lake Lowell.  Commissioner Beebe said that efforts to combat the West Nile Virus must be expanded outside the boundaries of the abatement district.

“With the assurance of state assistance we will determine the areas in the county where additional treatment is needed.  Once we know where the hotspots are located we can put together a plan and a budget to figure out what state and county resources are needed,” said Beebe.  The county anticipates having countywide testing information by the middle of next week at the latest.

Governor Risch urges individuals to protect themselves from becoming infected.  “It is imperative that Idahoans take preventative measures to protect themselves from this disease such as using EPA-approved insect repellant or wearing clothing that covers exposed skin.  It is especially important for kids who might be outside in the morning or evening hours, when mosquitoes are most active, to be protected,” Risch said.

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding all standing water around a home should be eliminated and birdbaths and decorative ponds should be cleaned every 3 days.

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