DRAPER, Utah, July 30, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Draper city officials have confirmed the West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes from there and Riverton.
The city shared information it was given by the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District.
“Mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus were found near Vista Station Boulevard (Frontrunner station area), however, the presence of the virus merits awareness throughout the city,” says the information shared with Gephardt Daily by the city.
“It is recommended that residents take extra precautions when outdoors during morning and evening times – use insect repellent, and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. The abatement district will be fogging the river basin and the Vista Station Business Complex. They are not planning to fog any residential areas.”
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes West Nile virus as “the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of West Nile occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.”
There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people, the statement says.
“Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.”
Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, the CDC says.
To reduce chances of getting the virus, try to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, and take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside. For more information, visit this link.
