Magna Mosquito Abatement has reported finding mosquitoes that test positive for West Nile Virus in Magna and West Valley City. According to an update from the organization, a total of 71 positive mosquito samples have been found in mosquito traps to date, representing an increase of 23 positive samples since August 1.
Due to the high amount of West Nile Virus detected, Ultra Low Volume fog trucks will be more active in neighborhoods at night than in previous years. Magna Mosquito Abatement stated that West Nile Virus is endemic in Utah and is typically found during this time of year.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection appear within 2 to 14 days of a mosquito bite and can include fever, headache, and body aches. More severe infections may result in high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, and muscle weakness or convulsions. While anyone can become ill from an infected mosquito bite, people over age 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. Less than 1% of infected individuals develop the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which can lead to death or debilitating long-term complications. West Nile Virus is not transmissible from person to person, and there is no specific treatment other than treating symptoms.
Magna Mosquito Abatement urged the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves when outdoors from dusk to dawn and using mosquito repellent containing deet. Individuals who believe they have a West Nile Virus infection are advised to contact a healthcare provider.
