West Nile virus (WNV) has been found in mosquitoes in southwest Idaho, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported.

Mosquitoes in Gem County tested positive for the virus June 8. It is the first time this year the virus has been detected in Idaho.

Last year, the virus was found in 38 Idaho counties, infecting about 1,000 people and leading to 23 deaths. The virus is passed through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

“Idaho led the nation in West Nile infections last year,” said Leslie Tengelsen, deputy state epidemiologist