The Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) has announced that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in “mosquito pools” within Salt Lake County. ‘Mosquito pool’ is the term used to describe a group of mosquitos tested from a single trap.
The mosquito pools that tested positive were found downtown and in the Sugar House neighborhood. However, SLCoHD says they expect additional mosquito pools to test positive in the next few days and weeks within the county.
Mosquitos can travel several miles, meaning that anyone in the region should exercise caution. The most important way to prevent contracting West Nile virus, experts say, is to limit mosquito bites.
“There will be a growing number of mosquitoes carrying the disease,” said Mary Hill, the SLCoHD epidemiology bureau manager, “so it is now especially important that Utahns protect themselves from mosquito bites, particularly in the hours from dusk to dawn.”
SLCoHD also recommends the following:
Utah does see around 12-13 cases of WNV in humans each year, according to Kacy Nowak, with the DHHS epidemiology team. Peak West Nile virus season is from July to the end of the October, meaning Utah may see a rise in cases over the next couple months.
Despite the fact that Utah sees cases of West Nile virus each year, it is still important to exercise caution due to the potential for complications.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), West Nile Virus is the “leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.” The disease is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but on rare occasions can be passed person-to-person.
The CDC says that 8 out of 10 people do not develop symptoms after being infected with West Nile Virus. Some people (1 in 5) will develop a fever and other symptoms, such as aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with these symptoms will recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks to months, according to the CDC.
In even fewer cases, roughly 1 in 150, people infected with West Nile Virus will develop a severe illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. The CDC states that older adults and those who are immunocompromised are most at risk of developing these illnesses, and 1 in 10 of those who develop severe illness die.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for West Nile Virus. Some symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter medications, but if severe illness develops, patients often need to be hospitalized.
The CDC states that the best way to protect yourself from West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites. More information about how the disease spreads and information about West Nile Virus can be found on the CDC’s website.
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