Boise News

Buggin' Out

West Nile 101: Idaho Launches ‘Fight the Bite’ Media Blitz

By J. Gelband, 5-10-07

You ever heard of West Nile Virus? In case you don’t remember the pandemonium from last summer, there’s a new statewide media campaign called “Fight the Bite” that will detail the dangers of West Nile virus.

The campaign – a joint effort between the Department of Health & Welfare, the Governor’s Office, Ada County, Idaho’s public health districts, the Department of Fish & Game, and the Department of Agriculture – was unveiled on Wednesday at the Boise Centre on The Grove. It features TV and radio public service announcements and posters that include messages from Idaho West Nile survivors and from Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter.

According to a press release, a thousand Idahoans were diagnosed with the infection last year, nearly 250 of which were hospitalized and 23 died of related issues.

The virus is spread via mosquitoes, so the state is ready to squash the bug by trying to educate the public about taking precautions to avoid West Nile; each announcement recommends three basic, preventive steps:

1. Use an EPA-approved insect spray;

2. Drain standing water that can provide mosquito-breeding habitat;

3. Avoid mosquito infested areas during the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Three of the PSAs have Idahoans who survived severe West Nile virus infections last year. One features Governor Otter advising people to get horses vaccinated because the virus is particularly deadly to horses.

“Fight the Bite” hits airwaves this week and will continue into September on network and cable TV stations throughout Idaho.

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