Show o T First Utahn Contracts West Nile Virus On August 29 the first probable case of West Nile Virus infection in a Utah resident was identified however all evidence indicates that the individual was infected while traveling outside of Utah in a state that is known to have transmission The patient who has since recovered had traveled to an eastern state for a period of several several several sev sev- eral weeks in July and began to feel ill shortly before returning to Utah An observant Utah physician physician physician cian who saw the patient asked about recent travel and sent specimens specimens specimens spec spec- for testing Based on the case definition of a infection used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this is currently classified as probable However it is very likely to be confirmed as a infection The Utah Department of Health stresses that this case does not indicate that is being spread in Utah To date there is no evidence that any humans animals or mosquitoes have acquired the virus while in Utah The virus is not spread from to person-to-person so there is no risk of this patient having spread the illness to others in Utah However has now been identified in the states bordering bordering bordering bor bor- dering Utah to the east Intensive surveillance efforts continue to look for the virus here herein herein herein in Utah and recommends that people take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes The signs and symptoms of infection in people include fever headache muscle aches nausea and vomiting Most people people people peo peo- infected with the will have a mild form of this illness that lasts for a few days and goes away on its own Less than 1 of people infected with the develop a more severe form of the illness People over the age of 50 are at highest risk for this more severe illness People with the more severe form of the ill illness illness illness ill ill- ness will have more pronounced signs and symptoms including confusion weakness and other signs of nervous system disease There is no specific treatment for and there is currently no vaccine to prevent the illness in humans The and local health departments have information about for the general public public public pub pub- lic and clinical information for health care providers Anyone who is concerned concerned concerned con con- about their personal health is encouraged to speak with their health care I provider C O Some ste steps people eople can take to protect themselves from mosquito bites include A Reduce time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most likely to tobe tobe tobe be biting at dusk and dawn Make sure screen doors and window screens are in good condi condi- tion Small holes are large enough to allow mosquitoes to enter If you must be outside while mosquitoes are active gear light-colored light long pants and sleeved long-sleeved shirts Apply mosquito repellent repellents that contain DEET DEBT are the most effective read the instructions on the label on all products before using them and be especially careful when using repellents on children and infants Around your home and property eliminate places for mosquitoes to reproduce Eliminate standing water sources around housing areas ie i.e. water in old tires cans poorly kept swimming pools toys wheelbarrows wheelbarrows wheelbarrows wheel wheel- barrows etc Water B that is kept outside for a reason eg e.g. pet water dishes birdbaths etc needs to be changed at least once every 3 2 days Clean rain gutters at least once a year A Aerate ornamental ponds or and/or stock them with mosquito eat ing fish Contact your local mosquito abatement abatement abatement abate abate- ment district to ask about these fish Maintain swimming pools or |