PROVO, Utah, July 15, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah County Health Department has announced its first mosquito pool to test positive this season for West Nile Virus.
The positive pool was located in the Lake Shore/North Palmyra area during a routine mosquito surveillance, says a news release issued by the UCHD.
“In response, the area received additional treatment immediately following the positive results,” the release says.
Since the initial positive result, the trap has been tested twice, with no additional positive results.
“West Nile Virus is a potentially dangerous disease, but severe illness is uncommon,” the release says. “Most people infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, while about 1 in 5 may develop mild flu-like systems, including fever, headaches, and body aches. In rare cases, WNV can cause serious neurological complications.”
Residents are advised to help reduce breeding grounds of mosquitoes, and to prevent bites, with the following measures:
- Check your property weekly and empty containers of standing, stagnant water, such as buckets, flower pots, birdbaths, tarps, tires and clogged gutters.
- Protect yourself by using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
- Ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes outside.
For updates on conditions in Utah County, check this link.
