David Cunningham, Health Officer for Southeastern Utah District Health Department, reports a case of West Nile Virus in Carbon County.
The individual, between the age of 18 and 44, was not hospitalized and has returned to work.
WNV can cause illness in humans and it is important for residents to protect themselves and their family members.
WNV is transmitted to humans by Culex mosquitoes that bite at night.
“Dusk to Dawn�Put DEET On” has been the focus of the Fight the Bite Prevention Campaign. For the remainder of the mosquito season people still need to wear long sleeves and long pants where even possible, and use DEET. It is safe when used properly and is one of the most effective repellents available.
Proper diagnosis of WNV disease is important. Many other viruses have similar symptoms. Most people infected do not show any symptoms. About one in five have flu-like symptoms with fever, muscle aches, and possibly a rash. About one in 150 develop more severe illness affecting the brain and spinal cord.
They may also have symptoms such as headache, paralysis and stiff neck. The risk of severe illness increases with age, but there is no age at which there is no risk of illness.
For more information on WNV, residents can call the local health department in Price at (435) 637-3671 or (435) 381-2252 in Castle Dale. For current, updated weekly information on WNV people can use www.health.utah.gov/wnv.
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