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DRAPER — A group of mosquitoes in Draper have tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials confirm.
Draper City officials reported Wednesday that the Salt Lake County Health Department notified them they had received results of a “mosquito pool” — a group of mosquitoes caught and tested out of a single trip — showing traces of the virus.
Officials said there are currently no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus.
“This positive pool is the first in Salt Lake County this season, though, it is possible additional pools in the county may test positive for West Nile virus in coming weeks,” officials said in a statement.
The South Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement District will be spraying for mosquitoes in some areas of Draper, officials said.
The discovery comes days before the Draper Days activities begin with the rodeo on July 6-8. The public is advised to protect themselves from mosquitoes when attending the outdoor festivities. Officials said mosquito repellent will be available at the ticketing entrance to the Draper Rodeo, both entrances to the Draper Amphitheater movie night on July 13, and Draper Park activities on July 14-15.
Although there are currently no confirmed human cases of the virus, officials offered the following tips to protect adults and children from mosquito bites:
• Use a mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to package directions.
• Drain standing water in yards (old tires, potted plant trays, pet dishes, toys, buckets, etc.).
• Wear long sleeves and pants after dusk.
• Keep roof gutters clear of debris.
• Clean swimming pools often or drain them.
• Clean and stock garden ponds with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.
• Make sure screen doors and window screens are in good condition so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
• Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.
For more information on West Nile Virus, symptoms and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s official website.
Editor’s note: The content in this article was taken from a press release sent out by the City of Draper. This is not information gathered by KSL.com reporters.
