West Nile Virus Detected In Mosquitoes Across Salt Lake County

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Officials with the Salt Lake County Health Department confirmed West Nile Virus has been detected at multiple mosquito pools within county boundaries.

“We currently do not have any confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus reported in Salt Lake County, but this is a good reminder that it is now especially important that residents protect themselves from mosquito bites, particularly in the hours from dusk to dawn,” said Dr. Dagmar Vitek, Salt Lake County Health Department medical director.

Local mosquito abatement districts have been trapping and collecting mosquito samples at locations throughout the county, and health officials confirmed virus-positive mosquitoes had been detected as of Monday.

West Nile virus has been detected in multiple mosquito traps throughout #SLCo. Take extra precautions when going outdoors to avoid bug bites: wear long sleeves and pants after dusk, use mosquito repellent, and make sure mosquitos can't enter your home. #WNV pic.twitter.com/z0vNsiNBy0

— Salt Lake Health (@SaltLakeHealth) August 17, 2020

Groups of mosquitoes caught and tested out of a single trap are referred to as a pool; health officials said the tests are not related to any specific swimming pools or bodies of water.

County health officials recommended residents take the following steps to minimize exposure opportunities during mosquito season:

• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus; follow package directions about application.
• Drain standing water in yards (old tires, potted plant trays, pet dishes, toys, buckets, etc.).
• Wear long sleeves and pants after dusk.
• Keep roof gutters clear of debris.
• Clean swimming pools often or drain them.
• Clean and stock garden ponds with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.
• Make sure doors and window screens are in good condition so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
• Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.

West Nile Virus can cause mild to severe illness, and symptoms include fever, headache and body aches. More severe infections may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors and muscle weakness or convulsions.

Officials said symptoms appear within two to 14 days of exposure.

Less than 1% of virus cases will develop neuroinvasive disease, which can result in debilitating long-term complications or death.

“People over age 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of illness due to West Nile Virus, but anyone can become ill from the bite of an infected mosquito,” officials said. “West Nile Virus is not transmissible from person to person.”

The virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1999 and Utah in 2003. Last year, 21 people contracted the virus and 12 developed the neuroinvasive disease; one person died from the virus.