⚠️ West Nile Virus Alert: Utah County has reported five probable human cases, including four neuroinvasive. Take precautions to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Learn more →

September 3, 2025

Five Probable Cases of West Nile Virus Reported in Utah County

The Utah County Health Department (UCHD) has confirmed five probable human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Utah County. Of these, three are neuroinvasive cases, the more serious form of the illness.

Between the high number of positive mosquito pools and confirmed human cases, it is clear that West Nile virus is circulating across Utah County this season.

To help reduce risk, Utah County Mosquito Abatement is conducting additional assessments and applying targeted treatments in the areas where cases have been identified.

What to Know About West Nile Virus

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 people may experience:

Fever
Headache
Body aches
Nausea and vomiting
Swollen lymph nodes or skin rash

In rare cases, the virus can become neuroinvasive, leading to severe illness such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. These cases can include symptoms like high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, seizures, or muscle weakness.

If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

With West Nile virus confirmed locally, taking steps to prevent mosquito bites is critical. UCHD strongly recommends:

Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus whenever you are outdoors.
Wear long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk).
Dump and drain standing water around your home—mosquitoes can breed quickly in small containers like buckets, bird baths, flowerpots, or clogged gutters.
Keep screens on windows and doors in good repair.
Be especially cautious if you are older or have underlying health conditions, as you are at higher risk of severe illness.