West Nile virus detected in Draper, Riverton

SALT LAKE CITY — West Nile virus has been detected in infected mosquitoes in Draper and Riverton.

Draper City said the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District notified city officials that the virus was found near Vista Station Boulevard and the FrontRunner station.

 Draper City Communications Director Linda Peterson said the abatement district is taking measures to fix the issue.

“The abatement district will be fogging the river basin in that area,” Peterson said, “and the business complex in that Vista Station area.”

But there are no plans yet to fog any of the neighborhoods in the area.

The abatement district only detected infected mosquitos in that region. But anyone in Draper and Riverton should take extra precautions when going outside.

Draper City officials recommend that Draper residents wear insect repellent, as well as long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. This is especially true in the morning and evening hours. 

What is West Nile virus?

Someone with West Nile virus was most likely bitten by an infected mosquito. The Centers for Disease Control reports that West Nile is “the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S.”

About one-fifth of the people infected with West Nile virus develop a fever and other mild symptoms, while far fewer, about one in 150, can experience a serious or even fatal illness.

Mosquitoes which have bitten an infected bird can then pass the virus to humans.

Humans can fight West Nile virus by preventing mosquito bites. This can include the use of insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved shirts, and having the right kinds of window screens at home.

Suggested other reading:

• Here’s what attracts mosquitoes to humans
• What types of mosquito repellents work best?
• A healthy Great Salt Lake could be bad news for mosquitoes, expert says