Health officials continue to stress to, "Put Your DEET On" this holiday weekend

PROVO, Utah (August 31, 2012) - - The Utah County Health Department (UCHD) announced today that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitos in the county.

"Traps set in the central county area," said Bob Mower, Mosquito Abatement Division director. "Mosquitos tested positive for West Nile, which means it is more important than ever for individuals to protect themselves and their families."

While many states have been reporting extremely high levels of disease, Mower explains Utah hasn't seen very much this year. "We really don't want individuals to be complacent, however. We haven't seen as many mosquitos, but those that we have are of the species that carry West Nile.

Mower said that while spraying by Utah County Mosquito Abatement staff does help reduce the number of mosquitos in an area, personal vigilance is the key to preventing spread of the virus. Prevention measures include:

• Avoid outdoor activities, such as gardening, at dusk through dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  
• If outside during the periods when mosquitoes are most active, cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks.
  
• Use mosquito repellents with DEET. Follow product directions for children and how often it should be applied.
  
• Eliminate standing water in tires or similar water-holding containers as these may serve as mosquito breeding sites. Change the water in birdbaths at least weekly.

The Utah County Health Department is committed to promoting the health of our community by preventing avoidable disease and injury by monitoring the health of our community to assure conditions in which people can be healthy. For information on UCHD programs or services, please visit www.UtahCountyHealth.org or call
801-851-7000. You can also now follow the UCHD at www.FaceBook.com/uchealth, www.twitter.com/uchd, or www.pinterest.com/uchd.