Kinship care refers to a heartwarming practice where relatives or significant adults in children’s lives step up to take on the role of parents when a child’s biological parents are unable to care for them.

This profound act of love and responsibility plays a vital role in providing a stable and nurturing environment for children. While we recognize the importance of kinship caregivers every month, we have some special celebrations planned in September during National Kinship Care Month.

Recent data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that one in 11 children lives in kinship care at some point before turning 18. Across the nation, 3% of all kids—more than 2.5 million children—are currently in kinship care. In 2021 in Idaho, 11,418 grandparents were responsible for their grandchildren younger than 18 years old. And this doesn’t include the countless children living informally with other relatives.

Despite the significant number of kinship caregivers, many are unaware of the resources and support available to them. These families face numerous challenges, but their tales of strength and devotion deeply touch our hearts.

To pay tribute to these extraordinary kinship families, DHW is organizing Idaho Kinship Family Day on Sept. 9 in Boise, Pocatello, and Coeur d’Alene. We invite you to join us for the celebration that will include food, fun, games, and information on resources and supports. Please RSVP at Idaho Kinship Family Day Celebration.

My Family. My Story. Entries due Aug. 18

Another way DHW is celebrating Idaho’s kinship families is through the annual My Family. My Story. art and expression series, which provides children and caregivers in kinship families with a platform to share their experiences in their own words through various artforms like drawings, paintings, and sewing projects.

This series showcases the creativity and emotional expressions of these families as they navigate the challenges that come with kinship care. Participants in this expressive journey have shared heartwarming drawings and stories depicting their love for their families, reflections on personal growth, insights into family dynamics, and feelings of safety and stability.

The series also includes a specific category for our community partners who work alongside kinship families as they navigate the challenges of kinship care.

All participants are entered into a drawing for cash and prizes. All entries must be received or postmarked by Aug. 18. Please visit My Family. My Story. art and expression series for more information.

Please call 2-1-1 or visit 211.idaho.gov for more resources and supports, and information about Idaho Kindship Family Day and My Family. My Story.

Let’s come together this summer to honor and celebrate the kinship families of Idaho, who embody the essence of love, selflessness, and care. Their stories inspire us all, and it’s our privilege to support and recognize their commitment to the well-being of the children they hold dear.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Idaho WIC, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federally funded initiative designed to promote healthy choices for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to their fifth birthdays.

It’s important to distinguish Idaho WIC from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps, as they are separate programs. However, it’s possible to be eligible for and receive benefits from both programs. Individuals with SNAP or Medicaid may also qualify for WIC benefits.

The primary focus of WIC is to assist families by providing various essential services, including WIC funds to purchase healthy foods from local grocery stores, nutrition education, assistance in finding healthcare and other community services, as well as breastfeeding information and support.

Regarding breastfeeding services, Idaho WIC aims to maintain its position as one of the leading states in terms of breastfeeding rates. WIC offers peer counseling, where experienced counselors provide support and encouragement to pregnant women and new mothers in their breastfeeding journeys.

Additionally, WIC provides access to professional breastfeeding support through clinic consultations and phone discussions with trained breastfeeding professionals, including certified lactation consultants, lactation counselors/educators, and registered dietitians.

Breastfeeding women benefit from the deluxe WIC food package, which includes more food options and variety. WIC may also provide breastfeeding equipment, such as breast pumps and other supplies, to assist women in providing breast milk for their babies.

Eligibility for WIC is subject to specific requirements. You must:

• Be a resident of Idaho,
• Meet income guidelines, and
• Fall into certain categories like being pregnant, breastfeeding, having a baby in the last six months, or being parents, guardians, or foster parents of infants and children up to their fifth birthdays.

Those interested in accessing WIC services can contact their local WIC clinic for more information about available breastfeeding services and to determine eligibility criteria.

More details and assistance:

• Go to signupwic.com to get started and locate a clinic near you
• What to bring to your first WIC appointment

Leah Sallas is the Idaho WIC program director. She has worked for the department since 2015.

Thirty-three years ago this week, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities.

The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services.

Approximately 61 million adults and about 4.3% of children under 18, in the United States have a disability. People with disabilities face higher rates of poverty and unemployment.  Access to healthcare is a significant concern, with barriers ranging from physical accessibility to inadequate medical services.

DHW’s core mission is to strengthen the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans; the ADA is an integral part of our work to overcome these challenges and fulfill that mission.

DHW values inclusion and diversity for the Idahoans we serve. We want program participants to tell us their needs, to help us understand their struggles, and to share with us their successes, so that we can provide them with the services they need and help them live their best lives. We want the people we serve to feel that their needs are recognized and have been met to the best of our ability.

DHW also values inclusion and diversity for our employees.  We want employees to contribute their perspectives about how the department can meet the needs of those we serve.

As a department, we have processes in place for both employees and customers to request assistance. We want to make sure our employees have what they need to be successful at work and our customers have equal access to programs, activities, and services.

For customers, help is available to those who need it. Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 or text 898211 to be connected to a 2-1-1 community resource specialist 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Mountain Time) Monday through Friday. You can also call the Northwest ADA Center-Idaho, voice and text 208-841-9422. Relay: 7-1-1.

Our hope is that our employees and the Idahoans we serve experience a sense of belonging and feel valued for many things, including their perspectives, contributions, backgrounds, cultures, trainings, and the life experiences that shape them.

While we are dedicated to fulfilling our mission and responsibility under the ADA, we can always do more. That’s why we’re always looking for ways to improve—including working with our community partners. Thank you to the numerous agencies focused on serving individuals with disabilities; working collaboratively, we can and will make a positive difference.

The ADA stands as a beacon of hope and progress for people with disabilities, safeguarding their rights and promoting equal opportunities in various aspects of life. To achieve a more inclusive society, it’s crucial for each one of us to be proactive in promoting accessibility and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. The ADA serves as a reminder that together we can create a more just and equitable world for everyone.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

Caring for a person living with memory loss or dementia is a journey that can last many years. It’s not usually a straight path, as each person with a mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, or another type of dementia may progress differently and in their own time.

Family members who are companions on this journey need information, support, and guidance along the way. Most families report they are not prepared for life with dementia and often do not know where to start.

The “Idaho Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Caregivers” is a document designed to give family caregivers a look at the big picture and the road ahead. This road map offers direction and tips about what to expect, what decisions lie ahead, what steps to take, and what resources are available to help make navigating the disease process a little bit easier. It’s currently in draft form, and DHW is seeking feedback to help make it as useful and complete as possible.

This August, the Idaho Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Program will host one-on-one, one-hour listening session interviews to review and receive feedback about the draft road map.

Participants should be family and friends who have provided, or currently provide, care to a person with dementia. The interviews will be offered in English and Spanish and will allow caregivers the opportunity to provide feedback about and identify any gaps in the draft road map.

Once you register, one of the ADRD Program’s contracted partners will reach out to set up a time for the interview, which can be conducted virtually.

Follow this link to participate and help make the Idaho Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Caregivers a more useful document for all Idahoans.

Why is this important?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is a specific disease. Dementia, not a disease, is a general term for a decline in a person's cognitive functioning, impacting their behavior and interfering with their daily life and activities. Neither Alzheimer's Disease, nor dementia, are a normal part of aging.

By 2025 an estimated 33,000 Idahoans will be living with Alzheimer’s, a 22% increase from 2020. There are approximately 65,000 unpaid caregivers in Idaho, many of whom report chronic health conditions, depression, or poor physical health.

The statewide ADRD Alliance (established in 2021) identified assisting family caregivers as a priority to improving quality of life for a person diagnosed with dementia and the health of the family caregiver (2023-2028 ADRD Strategic Plan for Idaho).

Once finalized the “Idaho Dementia Road Map: A Guide for Family Caregivers” will help affected Idahoans navigate this uncertain and life-altering circumstance.

Additional resources:

• To join the “Idaho Dementia Road Map” listening sessions
• 2020 Evaluation Report, State Response to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
• Idaho’s 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Data
• 2023-2028 Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Strategic Plan for Idaho

Tiffany Robb is health program manager for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Program in the Division of Public Health at DHW. A self-described compassionate extrovert, she’s had a diverse career that’s included personal training, business ownership and management, teaching, research, and project management. Tiffany finds working on brain health, Alzheimer’s, and dementia an honor and a tribute to family members who have been impacted by dementia.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening Idahoans' health, safety, and independence. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

In June, I resumed my summer tradition of traveling to various locations in Idaho to visit DHW’s incredible staff. This is my favorite part of my job, and I’m consistently awed by the talent, dedication, and compassion exhibited by the people who choose to work here.

During my recent travels, I visited DHW offices in eastern Idaho, and more recently in North Idaho at our offices in Coeur d’Alene, Moscow, and Lewiston.

Job shadowing with the talented, passionate people who work in diverse positions and programs is an invaluable experience for me. It provides me with the opportunity to meet our staff, but also gives me a deeper understanding of the daily operations at DHW. I may be DHW’s director, but our employees are my teachers.

Meeting DHW’s staff keeps me grounded in what actually goes on every day at DHW. More important, it helps me do my job, which is to do everything I can to help the people who work at DHW be successful in the important work they do serving Idahoans.

As I saw firsthand during my visits, the impact of DHW's work on the lives of individuals and families cannot be overstated. Witnessing the real difference being made every day is inspiring.

These visits also afford the welcomed opportunity to connect with some of the people we serve. Meeting them face-to-face and listening to their stories further reinforces the significance of the life-changing work being carried out, whether in one of our offices or within the confines of their own homes.

My experiences during these visits reaffirm my belief in the importance of DHW's mission and the dedication of its staff. The passion and commitment demonstrated by our team continues to motivate me to give my best to support their efforts as they make a positive impact the lives of countless individuals and families across Idaho.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend! 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

Historical mine sites and ghost towns provide a unique recreational opportunity to explore a fascinating part of Idaho’s heritage. The buildings and structures are historical artifacts, and many are privately owned. Awareness of potential health and safety risks at these sites will keep your family safe during your visit.

Lead and other metals at historical mines

Idaho has about 9,000 mining-related contaminated sites. Historical mining areas can have high levels of lead and other metals in waste rock, tailing piles, soil, sediment, water, and historical buildings. Contaminated soil and dust can be unknowingly tracked into vehicles or homes after recreating in areas with mining history. Lead from soil can enter the body by breathing contaminated dust or when hands or other objects covered with dust are put into the mouth.  
Health effects of lead

Exposure to lead can be harmful to everyone but is most dangerous to children and pregnant women. Lead in the body can seriously harm a child’s health and cause effects such as:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Learning and behavior problems
• Anemia and kidney damage
• Increased blood pressure, especially in middle-aged or older people

Protect yourself and others from lead and other metals

• Keep hands clean by washing them with soap and potable water or wipes before eating or drinking. Discard any food if it is dropped onto the ground.
• Do not allow children to dig or play in the dirt (e.g., bare soil, muddy areas, mine waste piles).  
• Wash children’s toys with potable water after playing outside.
• Avoid interaction between children and dirty, dusty pets.
• When riding ATVs, motorcycles, and bikes off-road go slowly, and do not create dust. Avoid inhaling dust by wearing a mask or face covering.  
• Do not disturb mine waste piles and soil throughout the area.
• Do not camp or recreate on historic mining areas, structures, or waste piles. Take off shoes before entering a camper or tent.  
• Before returning home, dust or wash all used items. If you are unable to clean items before returning home, store them in a designated area away from clean items.  All clothes should be washed separately from other laundry. 
• Consider getting a blood lead test if you or your family have been recreating in a mine site known to contain lead. Talk to you doctor. 

Other hazards to consider 

Every year dozens of people are injured or killed in accidents at historic mine sites. Hazards around an abandoned mine are not always obvious. Stay out of active or closed mine sites and consider these hazards:

• Lack of oxygen or the presence of deadly gases can be present in abandoned mines. You could come across pockets of methane, carbon monoxide, or other gases that displace oxygen and can cause muscles to stop responding normally, impair thinking, or cause unconsciousness or death.  
• Open shafts or vertical mine openings can extend hundreds of feet to the lowest level of a mine. The open shafts can be hidden by mine debris, dirt, rock, or water.  
• Open shafts of horizontal mine openings can extend for miles in which there is no light, making it easy to become lost or disoriented. Support beams and framework can be decayed or gone, making it easy for mining tunnels to collapse.  
• Old explosives or chemicals can be found in mines and become unstable over time. They can explode spontaneously.  
• Historical buildings are not stable and often have hazards such as lead-based paint, broken frames, unforeseen animal dangers, and hazardous chemicals.

STAY OUT AND STAY ALIVE!

Additional Resources:

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Environmental Health: Lead | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality: Mining in Idaho | Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mines | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety Administration: Stay Out - Stay Alive | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

Idaho Geological Survey: Idaho Geological Survey - Inactive & Abandoned Mines (idahogeology.org)

Kelly Berg is an Environmental Health Program Specialist for the Department of Health and Welfare.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening Idahoans' health, safety, and independence. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

I am pleased to announce the completion of DHW’s new five-year Strategic Plan, a living document that DHW leadership updates each year on the cusp of the new state fiscal year, which renewed July 1.

This year we’re rolling out a new goal to focus on recruiting new employees and retaining the many outstanding employees we have. This new goal integrates with the three goals from our previous Strategic Plan update. Specifically, they are:

• Goal 1: Become an employer of choice for current and future DHW employees
• Goal 2: Protect children, youth and vulnerable adults
• Goal 3: Help Idahoans become as healthy and self-sufficient as possible
• Goal 4: Strengthen trust and confidence in DHW

The Strategic Plan guides the work done every day by dedicated staff throughout the department and focuses on the big ideas we will collectively turn into reality over the next five years. Our plan helps the department organize and continue transformative, long-term work as all eight of our divisions also face day-to-day demands and challenges.

The plan is organized by the previously mentioned four goals, each with supporting objectives and tasks. Following are highlights focusing on the plan’s strategic objectives:

Goal 1: Become an employer of choice for current and future DHW employees

• Use engagement surveys and employee feedback to improve the employee experience.
• Reduce the department’s employee turnover rate.

Goal 2: Protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults

• Ensure children who have experienced abuse or neglect, who can be served safely in their homes, receive preventative in-home services.
• Implement the Youth Empowerment Services Implementation plan and the Idaho Behavioral Health Council strategic action plan to improve the behavioral healthcare system in Idaho so that children, youth and their families and adults get the services they need, when they need them.
• Implement three new crisis system components for adults with developmental disabilities so they can access a full continuum of crisis care that supports them to remain in communities when possible.
• Engage in collaborative activities for seniors that support access to services and improve their well-being.

Goal 3: Help Idahoans become as healthy and self-sufficient as possible

• Reduce Idaho’s suicide rate from 23.8 to fewer than 19 per 100,000.
• Address health disparities in Idaho communities by implementing at least three strategies that focus on the social determinants of health.
• Prevent or reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) across the lifespan of Idahoans by creating a coordinated DHW program delivery framework.
• Develop and implement cross-divisional initiatives to help reduce healthcare workforce shortages.
• Evaluate opportunities to limit Medicaid spending growth through legislatively proposed and approved cost-containment strategies.

Goal 4: Strengthen trust and confidence in DHW

• Enhance public health and safety by improving the effectiveness and visibility of regulatory activities, reducing regulatory burden, and improving stakeholder engagement in these processes.
• Strengthen the trust and confidence of those we serve, the media, employees, legislators, and other stakeholders through communication and customer experience strategies.
• Mature our resources management strategies related to money, people, physical space, and technology, ensuring resources are allocated in ways that best serve the people of Idaho.

Read the plan in full at the DHW website. Also, throughout the year, I’ll post updates about our collective work to meet these goals and objectives here on the DHW blog.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend!

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

As temperatures increase, so does the likelihood of a cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB). CyanoHABs are caused by cyanobacteria, and the toxins they produce are harmful to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. CyanoHABs can change and increase rapidly if conditions are right. They favor warm water, sunlight, and specific nutrients in the water. These blooms can last throughout the summer into fall.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) samples and analyzes Idaho water bodies for cyanoHABs. The test results are provided to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) and local public health districts, and they decide if a health advisory should be issued. For information on advisories, visit the DHW’s Idaho Recreational Water Advisories map for more information.

The severity of symptoms depends on how a person or animal was exposed, how long they were exposed, and the toxin type.

Health effects for people

Exposure to cyanobacteria and their toxins makes people sick. People are exposed by swimming in or swallowing contaminated water and breathing in tiny droplets in the air that contain toxins. Symptoms include skin irritation or rashes, blisters, lung irritation, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting; and they can lead to liver, kidney, and nervous system damage.

Health effects for pets (animals, livestock, and wildlife)

Pets are most often exposed by drinking and swallowing contaminated water and licking the toxins off their fur. The fur of animals can collect a large amount of toxin, making it very dangerous for pets. Symptoms include excess drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, foaming at the mouth, jaundice, blood in urine or dark urine, stumbling, abdominal tenderness, and loss of appetite.

How to protect yourself, your family, and your pets

Not all cyanoHABs are visible, and not all bodies of water are sampled. Therefore, the public is not always notified of all blooms throughout the state or the toxins they might be producing. When planning recreational activities in any body of water in Idaho, visit the DEQ and DHW websites for information, and always use caution by doing the following:

• If the water smells bad, looks foamy or thick (like paint was spilled into the water), appears scummy, blue-green, or brownish-red in color, stay out.
• If an advisory is posted, keep yourself, family, and pets out of the water.  

If an advisory is in place:

• Avoid swimming, wading, or other contact with the water. Take extra care to ensure children do not drink or get the water on them.
• Ensure pets and livestock do not drink or go into the water. If they have contact with the water, clean skin, hide, or fur with clean water right away.
• Do not drink or cook with the water. Boiling or filtering the water does not remove the toxins and can increase the risk of becoming sick.
• Wash hands thoroughly in clean water after handling fish or objects from the water.
• If you choose to eat fish from the water, clean and wash fish thoroughly in uncontaminated water. Filet the fish, and remove all fat, skin, and internal organs before cooking. Cyanotoxins can build up in fish, and the risk to people is unknown.
• Watch for symptoms. If you touch or swim in the water or breathe in water droplets, you might experience a rash, hives, red eyes, wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. If you swallow the water, you might have stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. You might have a headache, muscle weakness, or dizziness. If your liver is damaged, your skin might turn yellow, and you will have dark urine. If you think you might be sick from cyanotoxin, consult your healthcare provider or call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Notify algae@deq.idaho.gov.
• Monitor media reports and DHW’s website for health advisories.

As a general rule for anglers, swimmers, dog walkers, and anyone eager to jump into their favorite body of water, if a health advisory is in place, it should not be considered free and clear until that advisory is removed from the Idaho Recreational Water Health Advisories map.

The bottom line for Idaho’s waterways is that cyanobacteria will not immediately disappear with cold weather and will remain in the surface water for long periods of time. You are likely to see green patches of water until Idaho’s rivers and lakes ice over.

Report a bloom

• DEQ Online form
• By phone: (866) 671-5385
• By email: algae@deq.idaho.gov

More resources

• Idaho Recreational Water Health Advisories: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/recreational-water-health-advisories
• Fishing during a harmful cyanobacterial bloom: https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=19754&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare FAQ about harmful algal blooms: https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=22995&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS
• CDC resources about harmful algal blooms: https://www.cdc.gov/habs/index.html
• Idaho Department of Environmental Quality about harmful algal blooms: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/

Dr. Drew Pendleton serves as State Toxicologist for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. He was born and raised in Arlington, Texas and went to college at Texas A&M University in College Station, where he earned his B.S. in Bioenvironmental Sciences, an MPH in Environmental Health, and a PhD in Toxicology. Dr. Pendleton began working for DHW in October 2021 while completing his PhD studies and moved to Boise in January 2022. He serves the citizens of Idaho in many ways such as health education, site assessment, community outreach, and advising the public of environmental health risks.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

During the pandemic, federal law required that states continue Medicaid coverage for all members. Exceptions could be made if they died, moved out of state, or asked to be removed. As a result, 153,857 Idahoans were enrolled in Medicaid despite eligibility not being confirmed within the past year.

Federal law changed earlier this year. Since February, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has been contacting these Medicaid Protection members to review eligibility. So far, 93,531 re-evaluations have been processed. 26,190 members remain eligible. 67,341 are ineligible and have been referred to the state’s health insurance marketplace, Your Health Idaho.

The number of people ineligible for Medicaid rose sharply in June. That is because June 1 was when the first procedural closures occurred. A procedural closure happens when the Medicaid member fails to respond within 60 days.

Written notification is sent to Medicaid members whose eligibility ends due to a procedural closure. If you received a closure notice yet suspect you may still qualify for Medicaid, please do one of the following:

• Visit idalink.idaho.gov
• Call 877-456-1233
• Email MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov

The department expects to continue processing Medicaid Protection re-evaluations until fall.

Medicaid Protection re-evaluation data is updated by 5 p.m. each Monday at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/medicaidprotection.

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov. 

The Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement agency reported the first 2023 detection of West Nile virus (WNV) in samples of mosquitoes found in the Ada County city of Meridian on June 14 and 15. Mosquito abatement personnel were sent to the area to initiate control measures.

The risk of acquiring the WNV infection from mosquitoes will remain elevated throughout the state until a killing frost arrives in the fall, eliminating the mosquito-associated risk. It is important for people to protect themselves from mosquitoes, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Tips to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Cover exposed skin when outdoors and apply DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Carefully follow instructions on the product label.
• Insect-proof your home by repairing or replacing worn or damaged screens. 
• Reduce standing water around homes and properties. Check and drain toys, trays, and pots that are outdoors and can hold water.
• Change bird baths, static decorative ponds, and animal water tanks weekly to reduce suitable mosquito habitat.

During most WNV seasons, infected mosquitoes are typically detected starting in early July. However, during some years, positive mosquitoes have been detected as early as the last week of May and as late as the third week of August. Although it is hard to predict if this will be a year with lots of WNV in the community, the detection of virus this early is a warning to take precautions now and avoid mosquito bites.

West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes, people, and horses are predominantly found in communities in south and southwest Idaho. However, the virus has been detected statewide since it was first found in the state in 2003.

Every year the risk for acquiring WNV increases throughout the summer months as Culex mosquito populations thrive. Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens are the most likely mosquito species to carry and transmit WNV in Idaho, and public health officials fully expect to find additional WNV-positive mosquitos throughout the state this summer.

WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and not spread from person-to-person through casual contact. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.

Infection can result in severe illness, especially in people 50 years of age and older. If you feel ill and think you had a mosquito bite, talk to your healthcare provider about testing for WNV.

WNV does not typically affect domestic animals, like dogs and cats, but can cause severe illness in horses and some species of birds. Although there is no vaccine for people, there are vaccines for horses, which should be given annually.

For more information about WNV, please visit http://westnile.idaho.gov.

Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement https://adacounty.id.gov/weedpestmosquito/.

What about ticks and tick-borne diseases?

Spring and summer also kick off tick season in Idaho. Ticks can also transmit diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, and tularemia. Lyme disease is rare in Idaho and generally occurs in people who traveled to parts of the country where it’s common.

The best way to protect from tick-borne illness is similar to preventing mosquito bites: cover exposed skin when outdoors, use DEET or other EPA-approved insect repellents that include tick protection, and insect-proof your home. Also check for and remove ticks from your clothing, body, hair, and pets before coming inside. You can also talk with your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets. Ticks can easily hitch a ride on your pet and end up in your home.

Most tick-borne diseases found in Idaho cause a fever, and some can cause a rash. For those with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, symptoms can include fevers and chills, headaches, confusion, and a rash that may begin a few days after the other symptoms start.

To learn more about tularemia and tick-borne relapsing fever visit these CDC websites: https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/relapsing-fever/index.html

Leslie Tengelsen, PhD, DVM, is the state public health veterinarian in the Division of Public Health. She has worked for the department since 1998 and focuses on zoonotic disease prevention.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.