One person dies after being diagnosed with the West Nile virus in Davis County

SALT LAKE CITY — One person was reported to have died after being diagnosed with the West Nile Virus in Davis County. Two other people were also diagnosed the virus in the same county, according to the Davis County Health Department.

“At this time, the Davis County Health Department has three reported cases of West Nile virus,” the DCHD said in a news release on Wednesday. “Two of those cases were neuroinvasive and were hospitalized, with one of these individuals passing away.”

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ most recent report from Aug. 30 said Utah had 16 confirmed cases of the virus in total.

The DCHD said the virus can spread through infected mosquito bites and are urging the public to protect themselves from mosquitos.

“Most people who have been infected with (West Nile virus) don’t develop any symptoms, but it can cause mild to severe illness in some people,” the DCHD said. “Is it estimated that less than 1% of people infected with (the virus) will develop the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which can result in debilitating long-term complications or death.”

Ways to protect yourself

According to the DCHD, symptoms of the West Nile virus can appear within two to 14 days after being infected.

“More severe infections may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, and muscle weakness or convulsions,” the DCHD said.

Ways to protect yourself from mosquitos include:

• Using mosquito repellant
• Wearing long sleeves and pants after dusk
• Avoid going outside as much at dawn and after dusk
• Drain standing water
• Keep roof gutters clean
• Keep door and window screens in good condition
• Make sure weeds and tall grasses are kept cut

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This story may be updated as more information becomes available.