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UTAH COUNTY — The West Nile virus has spread to Utah County, according to the Utah County Health Department's Mosquito Abatement District. Health department officials found the virus in a mosquito pool near the south Provo-north Springville area.
“While Utah County does not currently have any confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, this is a great reminder to residents of the importance of taking steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” said health department deputy director Eric Edwards.
The Mosquito Abatement District sets traps each week throughout the county to monitor the mosquito population and tests mosquitos that have the potential of carrying the virus. Out of the 792 pools it has tested in Utah County, only one tested positive for the virus.
The virus has also been detected in Salt Lake, Davis, Weber and Tooele counties, as well as Draper City.
West Nile virus can cause mild to severe illness and many may not even know they've been affected, according to the Utah County Health Department. Less than 1 percent of people infected with the virus will develop severe infection, which can result in long-term complications or death. Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache and body aches.
Public health officials encourage individuals to take precautionary measures to avoid exposure to the virus by following the mosquito prevention "D's:"
