Department of Health Confirms First Case of West Nile Virus in Washington County This Year – St George News

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T. GEORGE – The Southwestern Utah Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Washington County this year.

The adult who contracted it is one of two confirmed cases in Utah. The other case has been reported in Salt Lake County. Both cases were confirmed towards the end of last week.

"Human cases are quite rare. We usually do not have more than a handful in the state every year, "Dave Heaton, information officer for the Department of Health, told St. George News.

The last human case of West Nile virus reported in southwestern Utah dates back to 2013. Two cases were reported that year, both in Washington County, Heaton said.

West Nile virus is transmitted to a person bitten by an infected mosquito. Washington County mosquitoes have recently been tested positive for the virus, but since the infected person had recently returned to other places where West Nile virus is present, the health service can not confirm where he contracted it.

"It's interesting because even though the mosquitoes are positive, it's possible that this person has contracted the virus outside our district," Heaton said. "It's this time of year everywhere, there are several states, I think, who have it. It is not necessarily connected.

According to the health department, 60 to 80% of people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms.

"What's positive is that most infected people will not have any symptoms and will even get immunity against that and never know it," Heaton said.

However, those with signs of the virus often have flu-like symptoms that can worsen to become a serious form of the disease.

The main symptoms of West Nile virus include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, disorientation or confusion. The Department of Health advises people with severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, as severe cases may result in hospitalization, disability, or death. Children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk for mild to severe symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are very few treatment options for people with West Nile virus. No vaccine or antiviral treatment is available, and the disease is usually treated in the same way as the flu. Analgesics and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to relieve symptoms. If hospitalization is required, patients will receive intravenous solutions, pain medications and nursing care.

As the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, the best way to prevent it is to avoid insect bites.

"We encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites to prevent other infections," said David Blodgett, director of the health department, in a press release.

Mosquito bites can be prevented by staying outside at dusk and dawn, when insects are most active. An insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, lemon oil or eucalyptus oil can also help prevent bites. It is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothes on the outside.

The first case of West Nile virus in the United States was recorded in 1999, said Heaton. The first human case was detected in Utah in 2003 and now appears occasionally throughout the state.

Mikayla Shoup grew up in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. She recently graduated from Northern Arizona University, where she worked for the university newspaper, The Lumberjack, as a feature writer, photojournalist, and assistant editor. In her spare time, Mikayla enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling and playing with her dogs.

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