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SALT LAKE CITY — Two human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Utah, according to state public health officials.
Positive “mosquito pools” — groups of mosquitoes caught and tested during single trips — have been identified in several Utah counties, including Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Davis, Duchesne, Salt Lake, Uintah and Utah. Public health officials are reminding all residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites whenever they spend time outside.
“There is no vaccine for humans," Utah Department of Health epidemiologist Keegan McCaffrey said. "So, taking simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites is the key to reducing your risk for infection.”
McCaffrey recommends using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors. Other precautionary methods include wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors, removing puddles or standing water from around the home, reporting bodies of stagnant water to the local Mosquito Abatement District and contacting a veterinarian for information on vaccinating horses.
"While most people infected by the virus won't notice any symptoms, some people may experience flu-like symptoms or worse," the Utah Department of Health said in a statement.
"The elderly and people with poor immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness which can lead to hospitalization, disability or even death. Symptoms of the severe form of West Nile virus include: high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, disorientation and confusion. If you are experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus, please contact your health care provider immediately."
