The Utah County Health Department (UCHD) has confirmed the first case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Utah County. According to a notice from the department, the case is neuroinvasive, which is the more serious form of the illness.
The presence of the virus in the area is indicated by a high number of positive mosquito pools alongside confirmed human cases. In response, Utah County Mosquito Abatement is performing additional assessments and applying targeted treatments in areas where cases have been identified.
While most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, approximately 1 in 5 people may experience fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, or a skin rash. In rare instances, the virus can become neuroinvasive, leading to severe illnesses such as encephalitis, meningitis, or paralysis. Symptoms of these severe cases can include muscle weakness, seizures, disorientation, neck stiffness, or high fever.
To reduce risk, the UCHD recommends using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors. Other recommendations include wearing long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk, maintaining window and door screens, and draining standing water from containers like flowerpots, buckets, or clogged gutters. Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk for severe illness.
