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BOUNDARY COUNTY — Two unvaccinated horses in the area died of West Nile Virus, Panhandle Health District officials announced Friday. These are the first confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness in Boundary County since 2014.

“We have had one confirmed case of West Nile Virus,” said Boundary County Commissioner Dan Dinning. “They reported i as two. Only one has been tested and confirmed. We have a third horse that may be infected.”

The horses in question were in the Porthill and lower Meadow Creek areas of the county, he said.

The bite of an infected mosquito spreads the virus to livestock and birds as well as humans. In general, West Nile does not produce symptoms in humans, but in a few cases, the symptoms can be severe, said PHD’s Melanie Collett. When present, symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, tiredness, swollen lymph glands and vomiting.

Common bird species that can be infected with the deadly virus include crows, ravens, blue and gray jays, red-tailed and broad-winged hawks, red-wing blackbirds, magpies, starlings, common grackles, cowbirds and several types of blackbirds, according to the National Wildlife Health Center.

“We know mosquitoes carrying West Nile can live in North Idaho, and mosquito pools have tested positive in the past,” said Jeff Lee, staff epidemiologist at PHD.

“Our guy tells us we have a very low number of mosquitoes this year,” said Dinning. “He hasn’t found any infected mosquitoes.”

Animal owners can prevent their livestock from contracting the virus by seeing they get a vaccination every year.

“Residents should be aware of West Nile Virus and take simple precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” said Lee.

The best way to avoid bites is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes, by:

n Limiting time spent outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

n Applying insect repellent to skin and clothing, too, since mosquitoes may bite through clothing. DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus are all EPA-approved insect repellents, according to the Idaho Health and Welfare office.

n Keeping window and door screens in good repair to prevent bugs from coming inside

n Disposing of items that hold water, such as empty cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and discarded tires

n Cleaning roof gutters where standing water accumulates

n Emptying and turning over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats and canoes

n Changing the water in birth baths and pet dishes frequently

n Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools and outdoor spas

n Trimming tall grass, weeds and vines where mosquitoes hide out during daylight hours

n Landscaping to prevent water from pooling

Information: www.westnile.idaho.gov