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OREM, Utah (AP) -- Health officials say it's a first for Utah County as three horses and two chickens test positive for West Nile virus.
Doctor Joseph Miner with the Utah County Health Department says although the county has discovered the virus in birds in previous summers, the virus hasn't been detected in horses or humans.
The virus has also been detected in ten mosquito pools located around the country.
The virus can spread quickly, so health department officials are urging the public to take extra safety precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
Less than 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile experience symptoms. Symptoms are similar to the flu: fever, muscle aches and possibly rash.
Prevention measures:
- Wear mosquito repellents with DEET.
- Stay indoors when possible
- Use netting over areas where you sleep if camping outdoors
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors
- "Mosquito proof" your house and property
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
