WEST NILE VIRUS ASSISTANCE REQUEST GRANTED
FOR BINGHAM COUNTY

BOISE - Governor Jim Risch today signed a state disaster proclamation and Implementation Memorandum for Bingham County, granting their request for state assistance to help control mosquito populations that carry the West Nile Virus.

The disaster proclamation authorizes the use of state resources to assist local efforts in dealing with the outbreak of West Nile Virus.  Typically the state will contribute 75 percent of the cost of an abatement program.  The Implementation Memorandum details the amount of funding that will be covered by the state and county.

“Bingham County has the fourth highest incident rate of West Nile Virus in humans in the state.  The county has asked for help in controlling the mosquito populations that carry the West Nile Virus and I have agreed to their request,” said Risch.  “In working with the county on a plan to control the mosquito populations I have committed $75,000 in state resources to the county’s effort.”  Bingham County officials have estimated their action plan will cost $100,000.

As of Wednesday the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported a total of 33 human cases of West Nile Virus in Bingham County.  Eight of those cases were the more serious neuroinvasive type.

County Commissioners have begun notifying residents that a spraying program will begin in the very near future.

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