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Ed Yeates ReportingUtah County is reporting the state's first death this season from West Nile. He's a man older than 65; he died from complications from encephalitis.
Human cases of West Nile last year in Utah County were isolated mostly near the lake. This season, infected mosquitoes are widespread in the city and in backyards.
The first human case of West Nile was reported in Utah County earlier this season. With fifteen human cases, it leads the state; and now, the first death is reported there.
Joseph Miner, M.D., Director, Utah County Health Dept.: "Apparently the person became ill last week. Was sick for several days before getting hospitalized, and died this morning."
In fact, the kill ratio for Tarsalus and Pipin mosquitoes -- the villains for West Nile-- is higher this season. In the mosquito pools that are left, more are carrying the virus. One out of five pools collected are infected. A pool is about 50 mosquitoes.
Certainly a lot more people are getting bit by infected mosquitoes, but aren't getting really sick.
Dr. Joseph Miner
It's not just Utah County either. A recent report in the south part of Salt Lake County shows a 50 percent infection rate in mosquitoes.
The season is far from over, and won't be until the end of September. Until then, keep covering up from dusk to dawn. Spray DEET on clothes and skin, except for children under six months of age. Since you shouldn't use DEET on infants, Dr. Miner suggests mosquito netting over the stroller or playpen outside. You can buy mosquito netting at any outdoor store.
