(Salt Lake
City, UT) – Public health officials across Utah are reminding all residents who
will be outside over the holiday to protect themselves from mosquito bites. So far, no human cases of West Nile virus
(WNV) have been reported in Utah, but four positive mosquito pools have been
identified in four counties.
West Nile virus activity has been
detected in a mosquito pool in Weber County. Even though no human cases of West
Nile virus have been reported, public health official urge Utahns to avoid
complacency. UDOH epidemiologist JoDee Baker warns, “There is no vaccine for
humans. So, taking simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites is the key to
reducing your risk for infection.”
While West Nile virus is transmitted through the
bite of an infected mosquito, not all mosquitoes carry the virus. The
mosquitoes that carry the virus are typically out from dusk to dawn.
“The best way
to reduce your risk is to use an insect repellent with DEET when you’re
outside,” says Baker. Adults and
children older than 2 months of age can safely use repellents that contain up
to 30% DEET,” Baker added. Repellents are not recommended for children younger
than 2 months of age.
Other precautionary measures include:
· Wear long sleeved shirts
and pants while outdoors.
· Remove any puddles or
standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, including
birdbaths, swimming/wading pools, old tires, buckets and plant containers.
· Report bodies of stagnant
water to the local Mosquito Abatement District (MAD). Visit http://www.umaa.org/ for a list of MADs.
· Contact a veterinarian for
information on vaccinating horses.
While
most people infected by this virus won't notice any symptoms, some people may
experience flu-like symptoms or worse. The elderly and people with poor immune
systems are at higher risk for symptomatic disease. The most serious cases can
lead to hospitalization, disability, or death. Symptoms of the severe form of
West Nile virus include: high fever, severe headache and stiff neck,
disorientation and confusion. If you are experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus,
please contact your health care provider immediately.
West Nile virus surveillance in
Utah is underway and will continue into the fall. For more information, call
your local health department or visit www.health.utah.gov/wnv.
Throughout the West Nile virus season, the UDOH web site will be updated each
Wednesday with available detection information.
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Media Contact:
Rebecca Ward
(o): 801-538-6682
(c): 801-647-5421
