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SALT LAKE CITY — West Nile Virus has been detected in a body of water in the Uintah Basin; it's the first report of the virus in Utah in 2020.
The positive sample came from a body of water in the Thunder Ridge area, according to a report from the TriCounty Health Department.
"Remember to wear long sleeves between dusk and dawn and use DEET repellent to protect against WNV," TriCounty Health said in a Facebook post.
West Nile Virus is most commonly carried by mosquitoes and can infect humans, birds, horses and other mammals, according to the Utah Department of Health. It was first reported in the U.S. in 1999 and in Utah in August 2003.
More than 70% of people infected with West Nile never develop any signs or symptoms. The health department says symptoms can include fever, mild headaches, body aches, nausea and vomiting. Severe signs and symptoms such as severe headache, fever, disorientation or sudden weakness require immediate medical attention, health officials say.
People should use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent with DEET and wear long-sleeved tops and pants when outdoors to help prevent bites from infected mosquitoes.
For more information, visit health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/WNV.
