West Nile Virus Update
As we reported July 30, Draper City received notice from the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District (SSLVMAD) that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in Draper and Riverton. SSLVMAD has also detected WNV in some mosquito pools, including a trap near 14700 South 500 West. The District will continue active abatement practices; they treated the Jordan River from 11400 South to 14700 South last night, and will treat the golf course tonight.
Once WNV is detected, it is considered active until the first hard frost, when mosquitoes die off. This is typically in October, so precautions should be taken until then. SSLVMAD will continue to treat areas with positive detections.
Although only some mosquitoes carry WNV, there is no way for residents to tell which mosquitoes may be infected so it is important to minimize all exposure opportunities during mosquito season:
• Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus; follow package directions about application.
• After dusk, wear long sleeves and pants
• Drain standing water in yards (old tires, potted plant trays, pet dishes, toys, buckets, etc.).
• Keep roof gutters clear of debris.
• Clean and stock garden ponds with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.
• Ensure door and window screens are in good condition so mosquitoes cannot get inside.
• Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.
WNV can cause mild to severe illness and many people may not even know they have been infected. It is estimated that less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which can result in debilitating long-term complications or death. Symptoms of WNV infection appear within 2 to 14 days of a mosquito bite and include fever, headache and body aches. More severe infections may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors and muscle weakness or convulsions.
People over age 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of illness due to WNV, but anyone can become ill from the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV is not transmissible from person to person. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection other than to treat symptoms. If you think you have WNV infection, contact your health care provider.
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