The Logan-West Nile virus was confirmed again in Cash Valley mosquito traps. The Cash Mosquito Abatement District was informed Friday by the Utah State Institute of Public Health that a recent sample of mosquitoes from Newton’s trap was virus-positive.
Richard County Rigby, manager of Cash County Mosquito Aviation District (CMAD), said he will continue to work on reductions and monitoring. Detoxification mainly consists of killing larvae, turning them into adult mosquitoes or killing them. Insecticide or cloudiness occurs only during the night when the Culex pipiens, a mosquito that carries WNV, is active.
It’s been four years since the virus was detected in Cache Valley. So far, no human cases of the virus have been reported in the county.
There are several precautions citizens can take to avoid contact with mosquitoes, and Rigby recommends the Bear River Health Department to:
• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, permethrin, picaridine, IR3535, or lemon eucalyptus oils according to the package instructions.
• Drain water in the garden (old tires, potted trays, pet dishes, toys, buckets, etc.).
• Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk to dawn.
• Keep the gutter away from debris.
• Clean or drain the swimming pool frequently.
• Make sure the screen door and window screen are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room.
• Do not mow weeds or tall grass. Adult mosquitoes look for these shaded spots and take a break during hot days.
In August 2018, health authorities reported a human case of West Nile virus in Box Elder County. Most infected people are asymptomatic, but infected people can suffer headaches, body aches, joint aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes.
