“Over the past few weeks, human cases of West Nile virus have been reported throughout the state of Utah, particularly along the Wasatch front,” the department said in a press release Wednesday.
Two of the cases in Davis County were neuroinvasive, which means that the virus led to severe neurological disease, according to Trevor Warner, Communications Manager for Davis County Health Department. The individual who died from the disease was over 60 years old.
The Utah County Health Department also reported five human cases of the virus, four of which were neuroinvasive, which happens in a small percentage of cases, according to experts.
Health department officials say those infected will normally not develop any symptoms. “It is estimated that less than 1% of people infected with [West Nile virus] will develop the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which can result in debilitating long-term complications of death.”
One in five may experience the following symptoms:
Sarah Willardson, an epidemiologist, explained that neuroinvasive cases can lead to inflammation in the brain and nervous system. Neuroinvasive cases can lead to other, more severe, symptoms in extreme cases including:
Health officials recommend using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus oil while outdoors to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. They also urge recreators to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn and to keep screens on windows in good repair.
Willardson stated that there unfortunately is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, but if you start experiencing symptoms, a doctor can help manage the symptoms. However, it’s always best to do what you can to avoid infection altogether, as it is a preventable illness. The people who are most likely to experience extreme illness are the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The Mosquito Abatement District has also found positive pools of mosquitoes in every portion of Davis County and are asking residents who would like to request an inspection of their property for things like standing water and mosquito sources can call their office at (801) 544-3736.
Utah sees several West Nile cases each summer, Willardson said, so the presence of the virus this year is not unique. However, what is unique this year is a death from an easily preventable disease.
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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