Last month, the West Nile virus was found in western Salt Lake City along the border of the Draper and Riverton cities. Members of the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement and the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District expect additional mosquito pools to test positive before the year is out. 

“There will be a growing number of mosquitoes carrying the disease, so it is especially important that Utahns protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Salt Lake County Health Department epidemiologist Andrea Price. 

If a mosquito carrying the virus does visit your neighborhood and transmits the virus onto you, it is possible to experience no symptoms. However, if you’re the one in five people that does show symptoms, you’ll experience headaches, body aches, neck stiffness, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, tremors, convulsions and rashes. You may also experience fatigue and weakness, that can last a few weeks or even months. 

Additionally, one in every 150 people who contract the West Nile virus may develop a neuroinvasive disease, which can result in long-term debilitating complications.

Last year, five out of the eight Utah residents to contract the virus ended up contracting the neuroinvasive form of the disease. One resulted in death. 

Symptoms of the West Nile virus do not appeal for at least two days after the virus is contracted. Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after the infected mosquito bites. 

There is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus nor are there vaccines. If contracted, the only thing to do is to treat symptoms. So it’s best to not contract the virus at all. 

“There are not a lot of human cases yet, but it’s a worry,” said Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Matt Holton. “West Nile is coming within the States.” 

To deter mosquitos, the Salt Lake Mosquito Abatement members have shared a few suggestions for Utah residents. They recommend using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 

If you are out and about when the sun isn’t shining, make sure to wear long sleeves and pants so the mosquitos can’t find exposed skin. 

As mosquitos can travel over several miles, they tend to look for shady places to rest during the day. Residents are encouraged to continue cutting weeds and tall grasses short and making sure all windows are shut and/or screen tight. 

If you have potential areas in your yard that might collect water, do make sure to drain that standing water daily. Mosquitos lay their eggs in stagnant water (which could accumulate in potted plants, pet dishes, buckets, old tires, even roof gutters!).  

When playing outside this summer, make sure to dump any stagnant water as to not attract mosquitos and their eggs. (Wag-a-lot Atlanta/Flickr)

Everyone in the region is encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid exposure against the virus.