The Utah County Health Department confirmed Thursday that Utah's first human case of West Nile Virus of the year was in Utah County.
According to information from the Health Department, it is unknown if the individual contracted the virus in Utah County or while traveling.
"This should serve as a reminder to all residents to take steps to prevent mosquitoes and West Nile Virus. The importance of using insect repellent with DEET cannot be overstated," said Aislynn Tolman-Hill, public information officer for the department, in a press release.
West Nile Virus can cause mild to severe illness and many people may not even know they have been infected, according to department information. Symptoms appear within three to 14 days and include fever, headache and body aches. Severe infections may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors and convulsions. People infected with the virus can develop severe infection and complications, but this occurs in an estimated less than 1 percent of people.
Tolman-Hill included information that shows there are fewer West Nile human cases in Utah this year. By August of last year, Utah had 17 human cases and 74 positive mosquito pools.
This is Utah’s first human case this year, and there are only 27 positive mosquito pools.
Regardless, public health officials encourage county residents to take precautionary measures to avoid West Nile exposure.
