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West Nile virus found in Riverton mosquitoes

Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District biologist Nadja Reissen examines a mosquito Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (Rick Bowmer | AP file photo)

Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District biologist Nadja Reissen examines a mosquito Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, in Salt Lake City. (Rick Bowmer | AP file photo)

Mosquitoes carrying the potentially deadly West Nile virus have been detected in the Riverton area.

The city tweeted Monday morning that the South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District has found the virus — which can be fatal to humans — in the insects. There have been no reports on human infections in Utah in 2020.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 people infected with West Nile virus develop fever and other symptoms. About 1 in 150 infected people develop serious — and sometimes fatal — illness.

There is no vaccine for West Nile virus and there are no medications to treat it. The CDC recommends using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.

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