West Nile Virus Detected in Utah Mosquitoes



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GRAND COUNTY, Utah – West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Scott M. Matheson Wetland Reserve on July 2, according to the Sheriff County Sheriff's Office.

The test results were released Thursday by the Utah Public Health Laboratory, confirming the virus in Culex mosquitoes, which transmit the disease through nocturnal stings.

The wetlands are just west of Moab.

The Southeastern Utah Health Department recommends people avoid mosquito bites by wearing brightly colored long-sleeved shirts, long pants and mosquito repellents at night.

The repellents must be registered with the EPA and use one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone.

Officials also recommend removing stagnant water to reduce mosquito populations.

The Matheson Wetlands are to be aerially treated with larvicide on July 14, and insecticide spraying will be conducted in the area two hours after the first stars appear, corresponding to a maximum flight period. for Culex mosquitoes.

The complete version of the Moab Mosquito Reduction District is presented below.

"West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected on July 2, 2019 by the Moab Mosquito Control District in Scott M. Matheson Wetland Reserve. Positive results were referred by the Utah Public Health Laboratory on July 11, 2019.

West Nile virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that bite at night. Peak Culex vector mosquito is within two hours after the first stars appear at sunset. Insecticide spraying (fogging) will be performed at this time and in areas where the Culex number represents a significant risk. In addition, Matheson Wetlands are scheduled for aerial larviciding on Sunday, July 14th.

People should avoid mosquito bites after dark by wearing brightly colored long sleeves, long pants, and anti-mosquito substances. Use insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET: Picaridine (known as KBR 3023 and Icaridin outside the United States), IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil ( OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD). ), 2-undecanone. When used as directed, insect repellents registered with the EPA are safe and effective even for pregnant and lactating women. It is particularly important to prevent mosquito bites at night by having good mosquito nets and using a tent with mosquito net if you sleep on the outside.

The elimination of stagnant water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, wading pools, buckets filled with water, livestock waterers and flood-irrigated fields will reduce populations. of mosquitoes.

If a person is infected with West Nile virus, the risk of serious illness is low. Most people affected will suffer from a mild to severe form of influenza, characterized by muscle aches, fever, rashes and headaches that usually lasts a few days but can last for months. In rare cases, infected persons may contract meningitis or encephalitis. The people most at risk of serious illness are those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease. Older people are most at risk of serious complications. The overall mortality rate is about one in 1,000 infected people.

Horses are much more likely to suffer from the virus, but no properly vaccinated horse seems to have been seriously affected by the virus. Contact your veterinarian about equine vaccination.

Crows, crows, magpies, jays, hawks, eagles and owls are often killed by West Nile virus. If you see any of these birds behaving strangely sick or if you find a dead-cool for no apparent reason, contact Mosquito Abatement. The birds will not be collected, but their incidence can help determine the extent of West Nile virus activity.

To report stagnant water or dead birds or horses recently, call Mosquito abatement at 259-7161. "

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