Utahns, beware! Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus are just waiting to bite you.

No human cases in Utah so far in 2021, but many mosquitoes carry the virus.

No cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Utah this year, but that doesn’t mean mosquitoes haven’t tried.

According to the Utah Department of Health, mosquitoes collected from 114 traps across the state have tested positive for the virus – which means the Utahns are one step away from contracting the potentially fatal disease.

“West Nile virus is present in Utah every year and it will not go away,” said Hannah Rettler, epidemiologist for UDOH. “Even though the number of human cases has declined in recent years, it is important to understand that West Nile virus has established itself in mosquito populations in the state.”

Rettler said Utah has had an average of 12 human cases of West Nile virus per year since 2009 – there had been 21 cases in 2019 and two in 2020. “Some of these cases can be quite severe or even lead to death. “she said.

Six Utahns died from West Nile virus in 2017, including Hillcrest High School football coach Cazzie Brown, who contracted meningitis after testing positive for West Nile. Another Utahn died in 2018, and another died in 2019.

It is possible that the Utahns have been infected this year and do not know it; most people with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may experience headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

According to UDOH, less than 1% of those infected will develop a serious neurological disease, such as meningitis.

The department recommends:

• Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks outside and use insect repellant containing 20-30% DEET.

• Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Make sure doors, windows and screens are in good condition and properly adjusted.

• Eliminate standing water near your house. This includes water in puddles, pet dishes, flower pots, wading and swimming pools, buckets, tarps, and tires.

• Report bodies of standing water to your Mosquito control neighborhood.