West Nile virus detected in 114 mosquito pools in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Although there have still been no human cases of West Nile virus in Utah this year, health officials are urging Utahns to take precautions, after saying the virus had been detected in more than 100 mosquito pools across the state.

A mosquito pool is a group of mosquitoes captured in a trap and then tested for possible viruses. The virus was found in a total of 114 pools across Utah on Monday; however, state health officials did not specify the locations, or whether some areas have more pools of positive viruses than others.

In its July 28 report, the agency wrote that the virus had been detected in 56 swimming pools. Most of the basins were in Davis (35) and Salt Lake (19) counties, but were also in Summit County and Weber-Morgan Health Districts.

“West Nile virus is present in Utah every year and it will not go away,” Hannah Rettler, vector / zoonotic epidemiologist for the Utah Department of Health, said Monday.

Humans are usually infected by the bite of an infected mosquito, although not all mosquitoes carry the virus. Since 2009, Utah has recorded an average of about 12 human cases of West Nile virus. There were 21 cases in 2019 and only two last year, according to Rettler.

Cases over the past decade have varied in severity. Most people – about three-quarters of people – don’t notice any symptoms. Others may experience flu-like symptoms or worse. Some of the recent cases in Utah have been “pretty serious” and even resulted in death, Rettler said.

State health officials have said that the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of suffering from West Nile virus symptoms, such as high fever, headaches. severe and stiff neck, disorientation and confusion. Anyone who exhibits these symptoms is encouraged to contact a health care provider immediately.

The health department’s announcement on Monday comes after the virus was also reported in neighboring states. Southeastern Idaho Public Health reported in July that the virus was detected in a pool of mosquitoes collected in Bear River County, Idaho, on the Utah border.

Meanwhile, those who analyze mosquitoes said earlier this year that this summer was the worst they have seen in terms of mosquito numbers in the state. Clean-up crews said the high temperatures had led to peaks in the mosquito population in Utah.

The state’s health department said people can take steps to avoid being bitten by a mosquito that may carry the virus in Utah, including:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks outside.
• Use an insect repellant that contains 20-30% DEET. Repellents are not recommended for children under two months of age.
• Reschedule outdoor activities to avoid rush hour for mosquitoes, which are from dusk to dawn.
• Remove puddles or standing water that may be in pet dishes, flower pots, buckets, tarps, tires or wading / swimming pools. This is because mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
• Report bodies of standing water to your local mosquito control district.
• Make sure all doors, windows, and screens are in good condition and properly fitted so that mosquitoes cannot fly inside a home.

More tips and information can be found here.

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