The Bear River Health Department issued advisories in late June 2026 regarding the risks of West Nile Virus and rabies, urging residents to take specific precautions against mosquito bites and wild animal encounters to prevent disease transmission.
In a notice released June 30, 2026, the Bear River Health Department, working in conjunction with the Cache and Box Elder Mosquito Abatement districts, advised residents to remain vigilant regarding recent developments with West Nile Virus. The health department noted that mosquito traps were expected to test positive for the virus in the coming days and weeks.
Because mosquitoes are capable of traveling several miles, officials stated that everyone in the region should take precautions against bites regardless of their specific location. To minimize the risk of contracting the virus, the health department recommended using EPA-registered insect repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, while following all package directions for application.
The health department further detailed environmental and personal strategies to reduce mosquito exposure. Residents were encouraged to wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, to minimize exposed skin when outdoors.
Officials also highlighted the importance of managing standing water, as mosquitoes breed in such environments. The department advised residents to regularly empty, cover, or treat containers that can collect water, specifically mentioning items like buckets, flower pots, bird baths, and roof gutters. Additionally, maintaining screened doors and windows was recommended to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
Because mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus are most active during dawn and dusk, the department urged extra precautions during those peak activity periods. Residents were also told to monitor themselves for symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, disorientation, or severe headache, and to contact a healthcare provider if such symptoms develop.
In a separate advisory released June 29, 2026, the Bear River Health Department addressed the risks associated with rabies, a preventable viral disease. The department noted that the virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, which can lead to brain disease and death.
While any mammal is susceptible to the virus, the health department stated that the vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals, including foxes, skunks, raccoons, and bats.
To protect pets from rabies, the health department recommended that owners visit veterinarians on a regular basis to ensure vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets remain up-to-date. Other preventative measures for pet owners include keeping cats and ferrets indoors and maintaining direct supervision of dogs.
The department also suggested that pet owners spay or neuter their animals to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may lack regular vaccination or proper care. Furthermore, residents were advised to contact animal control to remove any stray animals from their neighborhoods, as these animals may be ill or unvaccinated.
Regarding human prevention, the health department advised individuals to leave all wildlife alone and to wash any animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
The department noted that contact with infected bats is the leading cause of rabies deaths in people within the United States, followed by exposure to rabid dogs during international travel. If a person is bitten, scratched, or is unsure of their exposure, officials recommended speaking to a healthcare provider about postexposure prophylaxis, noting that rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt and appropriate medical care.
