A Utah County resident has contracted West Nile virus, the first human case recorded in Utah this year, according to the county’s Health Department.
Officials are unsure whether the person got the virus in Utah County or while traveling, a news release from the department states.
It’s uncommon to see so few cases of West Nile virus in humans in Utah, according to the news release. Since 2013, Utah has averaged 18 humans cases. Last year, 17 people contracted the virus.
Relatedly, officials have found fewer West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in Utah this year. In 2017, crews found 74 pools — or collections of mosquitoes — that tested positive for the virus, compared with 27 this year, according to the news release.
"This is should serve as a reminder to all residents to take steps to prevent mosquitoes and West Nile virus,” Health Department spokeswoman Aislyn Tolman-Hill said in the release. “The importance of using insect repellent with DEET cannot be overstated.”
While many who contract the virus show no signs of being infected, the mosquito-borne illness can cause mild to severe symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. Severe infections, which occur in less than 1 percent of people who contract the virus, can lead to death or long-term complications, according to the news release.
To avoid mosquitoes, the health department suggested the following tips:
Drain standing water.
Stay inside at dusk and dawn.
Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
Use insect repellent with DEET.
Ensure that door and window screens are sealed.
