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News releasePROVO -- The Utah County Health Department (UCHD) announced Friday that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in the county.
"We are now doing our own testing of mosquito pools in Utah County," said Dr. Joseph Miner, Utah County Health Department director. "It was found in the traps collected from central Utah County on Wednesday. This is almost a month earlier than last year." WNV has been detected in several counties already in the state; however, no human cases have been reported as yet.
Mower said that while spraying by Utah County Mosquito Abatement staff does help reduce the number of mosquitoes in an area, personal vigilance is the key to preventing spread of the virus. Prevention measures include:
- Mosquitoes are most active during dusk to dawn periods.
- Cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks.
- Use mosquito repellents with DEET. Follow product directions for children and how often it should be applied.
- Eliminate standing water in tires or similar water-holding containers as these may serve as mosquito breeding sites.
- Mosquito proof your home - eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
- Change the water in birdbaths at least weekly.
- Treat ornamental pools and ponds for mosquito larvae (commercial products available at most home improvement stores).
- Repair leaky faucets and springs.
- Clean clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
Miner said that only about 20 percent of people that get WNV experience symptoms. "Most of these cases are relatively mild, and limited to fever which initially may be confused with our resent flu outbreak," he said. Miner cautions though, that West Nile virus can be serious, leading to long term health issues and even death. "Why take chances when it is so easy to just put on insect repellant?" For information about WNV or Utah County mosquito abatement efforts, either visit www.UtahCountyHealth.org or call 851-7637. The Utah County Health Department seeks to promote health, and prevent avoidable disease and injury by monitoring the health of our community, and assuring conditions in which people can be healthy. You can also now follow the UCHD on Twitter -- go to http://www.twitter.com/uchd.
(Courtesy: Utah County Health Department)
