Utah, July 17, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Mosquito samples in two additional counties have tested positive for West Nile virus, state health officials said Tuesday.
The Utah Department of Health said mosquitoes in Davis and Uintah counties are infected with West Nile, along with those in Box Elder announced Monday.
A report from the Utah Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau said there have been no confirmed human cases.
A water-sample test by the Utah State Public Health Laboratory found the presence of the West Nile virus in a mosquito pool in Box Elder County, officials said Monday.
A Facebook post by the Box Elder Mosquito Abatement District confirmed the news:
“This sample was from Willard Bay, North Marina. This is the first positive pool in Box Elder County this year. The virus has only been confirmed near Willard Bay, North Marina.”
It’s possible the virus could be more widespread, the District’s post said. Officials did not say where the samples from Davis and Uintah counties were taken from.
“We are announcing this to make the county aware that West Nile virus season has started. With the 24th of July coming up, please take proper precautions if you are outside after dusk. Be sure to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Mosquito Repellent with DEET or Picaridin is also a great way to avoid mosquito bites.
“Please share this message with your friends and family to keep them safe this weekend and in the next few weeks to come.”
The Tuesday post from Utah Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau said West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. West Nile can cause disease in humans, birds, horses, and some other mammals. The virus was first found in the U.S. in 1999, in New York City, and in Utah in August 2003.
“The most common way to get infected is through the bite of a mosquito,” the post said. “Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Symptoms can include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than one percent of people infected will develop a serious neurologic illness, such as meningitis.
For a weekly report on West Nile virus from the Utah Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau click here.
