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West Nile Virus

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A macro photograph of a crumpled document and a magnifying glass on a wooden desk, symbolizing investigation into public health data, with a blurry view of a dry Utah landscape in the background. No people or insects are visible; the focus is on the concept of scrutiny and environmental heat/drought conditions associated with West Nile transmission cycles in Utah territory.
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Key takeaways

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors.
  • Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
  • Eliminate breeding grounds by emptying, covering, or treating standing water in containers like buckets, flower pots, and gutters.
  • Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
  • Monitor for symptoms including high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, or muscle weakness, and contact a healthcare provider if they occur.

The Bear River Health Department (BRHD), in conjunction with Cache and Box Elder Mosquito Abatement, are advising residents to be aware of recent developments concerning West Nile Virus. To stay up to date on mosquito traps testing positive this season click on the buttons below:

Click Here for Box Elder Mosquito Abatement

Click Here for Cache County Mosquito Abatement

Anticipated Positive Trap Results

It is expected that mosquito traps will test positive in coming days and weeks. Because mosquitoes can travel several miles, everyone in the region—regardless of their exact location—should take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid exposure to the virus.

Public Safety Reminders

The health department would like to remind the public to take precautions to minimize the risk of contracting the West Nile virus.

Effective Mosquito Prevention Tips

Use Insect Repellent: Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus; follow package directions about application.

Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to minimize exposed skin.

Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity: Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus are most active during dawn and dusk. Take extra precautions at these times.

Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly empty, cover, or treat containers that can collect water, such as buckets, flower pots, roof gutters and bird baths.

Maintain Screened Areas: Keep doors and windows screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Check for Symptoms: If you develop symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, or muscle weakness, contact a healthcare provider.

Click Here for more WNV Prevention Information

Click Here for EPA Registered Insect Repellant

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