Five confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in Utah County

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — The Utah County Health Department confirmed Wednesday morning that five probable human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in the county.

Four of the five probable cases are reported as “neuroinvasive,” indicating the possibility of the virus leading to a severe neurological disease in a small percentage of individuals, according to experts.

“Between the high number of positive mosquito pools and confirmed human cases, it is clear that West Nile virus is circulating across Utah County this season,” the Utah County Health Department said in a press release.

The health department says those infected will likely not develop symptoms. One in five may experience the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes or skin rash

Neuroinvasive cases can lead to other, more severe, symptoms in extreme cases including:

• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Paralysis

Health officials recommend using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus oil while outdoors. They also urge recreators to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn and to keep screens on windows in good repair.