West Nile virus is a bird-mosquito-bird disease that can spread to humans and animals through mosquito bites. The Davis Mosquito Abatement District in Davis County monitors mosquito populations to detect the presence of the virus.
Monitoring mosquito virus presence
In Davis County, two known vectors for West Nile virus are Culex pipiens and Culex tarsalis. The district monitors and tests these species to identify when the virus appears in the mosquito population. The county’s natural landscape creates large areas of habitat for mosquito and bird interaction, increasing the risk of WNV transmission. The district uses an intensified integrated mosquito management approach to reduce risk to humans and horses. In-house testing allows for fast, direct notification of positive mosquitoes, typically within 24 hours of trapping. Results are reported to the Utah Department of Health, which then reports them to the CDC.
Reporting positive test results
The district reports all positive WNV test results to the Utah Department of Health, who in turn reports the results to the CDC.
