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Press releaseOGDEN -- A horse in western Weber County tested positive for West Nile Virus today prompting health officials to warn resident to continue taking precautions against the mosquito-borne disease.
"This is a reminder that the West Nile Virus is active in our area and residents should not let their guard down just because summer is coming to a close. Mosquitoes thrive in hot, dry weather," says Tina L'Estrange, communicable disease nurse with the Weber-Morgan Health Department.
The virus was discovered in blood drawn from an unvaccinated horse in Plain City, Utah. Humans cannot contract the disease from horses. It is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite birds, horses and humans. While there is a vaccine for horses, no such precaution exists for humans.
"The mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active from dusk to dawn," L'Estrange says, "so be aware of this and take precautions during outdoor evening and early-morning activities."
The best precautions include:
- Wearing long shirts and pants
- Using insect repellant that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
- Removing standing water from around yards and homes.
- Checking your home for loose-fitting doors and screens.
For more information, see the West Nile Virus link at WeberMorganHealth.org.
