Gathering of mosquitoes in Draper test positive for West Nile Virus – KUTV 2News

Gathering of mosquitoes in Draper test positive for West Nile Virus (File photo: MGN Online)

(KUTV) A group of mosquitoes in Draper have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Salt Lake County Health Department.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, the city of Draper announced the finding and said there were no confirmed cases of West Nile Virus among humans.

This is the first group of mosquitoes to test positive, and the city says more could be infected across the city.

The announcement comes before one of the city's biggest annual outdoor events: Draper Days.

The city is warning residents to be cautious and protect themselves from bugs.

The city will hand out mosquito repellent before most Draper Days events, but also recommends the following steps be taken:

Use a mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to package directions.

Drain standing water in yards (old tires, potted plant trays, pet dishes, toys, buckets, etc.).

Wear long sleeves and pants after dusk.

Keep roof gutters clear of debris.

Clean swimming pools often or drain them.

Clean and stock garden ponds with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.

Make sure screen doors and window screens are in good condition so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.

Most people infected with the virus will show little to no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in five, however, will experience "a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash."

In extreme cases, patients will need to be treated in a hospital.

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Gathering of mosquitoes in Draper test positive for West Nile Virus - KUTV 2News