Canyon County Reports First 2026 West Nile Meningitis Case in Resident Over 65
Updated
Updated · Idaho Press · Aug 18
Canyon County Reports First 2026 West Nile Meningitis Case in Resident Over 65
3 articles · Updated · Idaho Press · Aug 18
Summary
A Canyon County resident over 65 was hospitalized with West Nile meningitis—the county’s first severe 2026 case—and is now recovering at home.
Health officials said the rare complication occurs when West Nile reaches the brain or spinal cord; people taking immunosuppressants face up to 40% higher risk of severe illness or death.
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile have again been detected in Southwest Idaho this summer, prompting warnings to avoid bites, especially from dusk to dawn.
Idaho health officials said there is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile, urging residents to use EPA-approved repellents, wear protective clothing and drain standing water.