First West Nile virus case confirmed in Salt Lake County

• They are now recovering at home.

Catch up quick: Mosquito abatement districts in Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Magna have found the insects infected with the virus so far this season.

• 14 people in Utah became infected with the disease last year and one person died after contracting it in 2023.

Threat level: The virus can cause mild to severe health complications, including a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after a bite.
• Less than 1% of infections result in severe health outcomes or death, per the CDC.
• People ages 50 and older with weakened immune systems carry the highest risk of illness, according to the health department.

County health officials released tips to avoid mosquito exposure:

• Apply EPA-registered mosquito repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants after dusk.
• Keep your roof gutters clean.
• Secure doors and window screens to prevent them from getting inside.
• Trim weeds and grass to prevent overgrowing.