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(KSL News) -- The State Health Department has scheduled a news conference this afternoon - most likely confirming the West Nile virus is now officially in Utah.
As Eyewitness News reported last week, preliminary blood samples from what are called sentinel test chickens in the Price area tested positive for the virus - but epidemiologists needed a second blood draw to confirm the findings.
Mosquito experts had predicted West Nile would make its way to Utah before the summer season ended.
Though the chickens are positive for the virus, there are NO confirmed cases so far of West Nile in humans or other animals in Utah.
But within the past few weeks, the number of West Nile cases has tripled nationwide to more than 400.
Our neighboring state of Colorado is hardest hit with 247 cases and six deaths.
More on the State's plan of action now that the virus is here - coming up on Eyewitness News at five and six.
