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West Nile Virus confirmed in mosquitoes near Ogden, officials warning residents

Posted at 9:21 AM, Jul 07, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-07 19:28:53-04

RIVERDALE, Utah - Weber-Morgan health officials are warning residents after mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus near Riverdale.

"These are the first mosquitoes known to test positive in Utah this year,” Amy Carter said, communicable disease nurse with the Weber-Morgan Health Department. “With the warm winter and rainy spring, we expect to see more mosquitoes than usual. In order to prevent human cases, it’s important for each person to take precaution.”

Officials said the best precautions include:

·         Using insect repellant that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
·         Wearing long shirts and pants from dusk to dawn.
·         Remove standing water from around yards and homes.
·         Make sure windows, doors and screens fit tightly without holes.

“The mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active between dusk and dawn,” Carter said. “It’s important to keep that in mind if you are going to be outside during these hours you should always have a container of mosquito repellent handy.”

According to the Weber-Morgan Health Department, infected mosquitoes spread the virus when they bite humans, horses and birds.

Health officials said there is a vaccine for horses but no such preventive measure or treatment exists for humans.

Info from the Weber-Morgan Health Department:

The health department said the West Nile Virus affects the central nervous system.

Mild symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash.

The symptoms typically last a few days.

Severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, vision loss and paralysis.

These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.

People typically develop symptoms between three and 14 days after they are exposed.

If you think you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, contact your physician.