The Utah County Health Department announced Tuesday that West Nile virus has been detected in Utah County mosquitoes.
Lance Madigan, public information officer for the health department, said while there have not been any human cases in Utah County yet, Salt Lake County announced a human case Tuesday. Madigan said health officials believe the victim was exposed while camping in the Uintahs, but testing has confirmed the virus in mosquitoes in the county.
Most of the state has a program in place to test mosquitoes that may carry the virus, Madigan said.
"We check on a weekly basis, if not more often," he said.
The testing is done to keep people alert of the dangers, Madigan said. More than 50 breeds of mosquitoes are found in Utah, but only two of those carry the virus he said. Only one will usually bite people, he said.
Bob Mower, Utah County mosquito abatement director, said in a news release that the virus was found in traps collected from south Utah County on July 14.
"Salt Lake Valley just had a human detection, so it is definitely in the state," Mower said in a news release. "It just reminds us to take precautions to protect ourselves and our families."
While most cases of the virus don't develop severe or life-threatening symptoms, "enough do that we want to raise the alarm," Madigan said.
Covering up and wearing bug repellent with DEET are simple steps everybody can take to prevent a life threatening disease, Madigan said.
More information about West Nile can be found at www.UtahCountyHealth.org or by calling 801-851-7637.
Copyright Brigham Young University 23 Jul 2008
