First human case of West Nile virus confirmed in Utah
Sep 2, 2022, 10:38 AM | Updated: 10:45 am
FILE: Vector control intern Reese Adams sorts mosquitoes by type at the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement laboratory in Salt Lake City. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — In the Weber-Morgan Health District, a senior citizen is the first confirmed person in Utah to have West Nile Virus this year.
The Utah Department of Health said he is a male between the ages of 65 and 84.
Furthermore, two other people are suspected of having WNV in Utah, and their cases are currently being investigated.
The positive case of WNV comes a month after the virus was detected in mosquitos in the state. As of September, 1, 73 positive mosquito pools have been identified in Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele and Uintah counties.
Also, two horses in Uintah County had WNV this year.
The reminder from officials at the Utah Department of Health is that mosquito season isn’t over and that Utahns should continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Other reading:
- West Nile Virus found in Davis County mosquitoes
- Climate change might bring more West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes
