An image of a mosquito. The West Nile virus, which is usually transmitted to humans through mosquito bite, was detected Friday in Cache County. (Shutterstock)
HYDE PARK — The West Nile virus was recently detected in a mosquito pool in Cache County for the first time this year, officials with the Cache Mosquito Abatement District said Saturday.
The virus was found Friday from a group of mosquitoes caught west of Logan in the community of Benson and tested for the virus. The district’s announcement comes a little more than a week after the Utah Department of Health reported that the virus had been found in 114 mosquito pools across Utah this summer. Those confirmed cases involved the Davis, Salt Lake, Summit and Weber/Morgan health districts.
There are still no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus so far this year. While most people don’t feel any symptoms, cases can become “quite severe” and even result in death, Utah Department of Health vectorborne/zoonotic epidemiologist Hannah Rettler said last week.
District officials said in a statement Saturday that they believe the Culex mosquitoes — mosquitoes that appear at night — are the ones carrying West Nile virus, not the “day-biting” ones. They said they will continue abatement and surveillance practices, such as using different insecticides that target adult mosquitoes or larva from becoming adult mosquitoes.
In the meantime, the Bear River Health Department offered tips for residents or anyone traveling outdoors in Cache County to prevent getting the virus.
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long sleeves and pants between dusk and dawn.
- Drain any standing water in yards, such as potted plant trays, pet dishes, rain gutters, buckets, toys or old tires. Also keep roof gutters clear of debris,
- Clean swimming pools often and drain them.
- Make sure all screen doors and window screens are in good condition so mosquitoes can’t get inside your home.
- Keep weeds and tall grass cut short because mosquitoes look for shady places to rest during daytime.
More tips and information by the Utah Department of Health can be found here.
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