PROVO — Utah's first case of West Nile virus in a human has been confirmed by lab tests on a Utah County resident. Two other cases involving residents of Duchesne and Uintah counties are still awaiting confirmation.
The Utah County victim is reportedly recovering from the virus. Utah has never recorded a death from the disease.
The Utah Public Health Laboratory near the University of Utah confirmed the Utah County case Wednesday morning, said Dustin Smith, West Nile virus prevention coordinator. However, confirmation of single adult cases in Uintah and Duchesne counties has been delayed.
Dr. Joseph Shaffer, director of the Tri-County Health Department that represents Duchesne, Uintah and Daggett counties, expressed frustration over the delay on Wednesday. Specimens were sent to a Minnesota lab for testing more than 10 days ago — which was before the Utah County case was discovered.
Smith called the delay a transportation issue. While doctors are allowed to choose which labs will do the initial tests, final testing is performed by the Utah Public Health Laboratory. Preliminary tests are usually considered accurate enough for public information officers to send out cautionary press releases.
"They (the Uintah and Duchesne cases) will probably be confirmed," Shaffer said, "but I can't say anything (with surety) until I know."
The Utah County case originated in a south county area where health officials recently found three horses and two chickens that tested positive for the disease, Utah County Health Department spokesman Lance Madigan said. Twenty pools of water with mosquito larvae were also found in the area, he said.
"The individual has had some very severe symptoms of the disease, including encephalitis. Encephalitis can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal chord, which can case severe problems with coordination and other neurologic issues including paralysis and even death.
Family members report that the individual is improving but is still very ill," Utah County Health Department Director Joseph Miner said.
No known cure or treatment is available for West Nile virus. While the health department won't release a name or gender, they did say the individual is between the ages of 45 and 64.
Health officials continue to caution residents who venture outside in the evening to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use mosquito repellent containing DEET.
Children from age 2 months to 12 years can use repellents containing up to 10 percent DEET. Individuals over the age of 12 can use higher concentrations. Repellents should be applied on children by an adult, and should not be placed on their hands or around their mouths. Do not place repellent on skin under clothing; instead, spray it on the clothing.
The health department suggests parents use mosquito netting over infant carriers. Other precautions include:
Repair screens on windows and doors.
Drain areas of standing water.
Get rid of containers that tend to collect water.
For more information and tips, contact the Utah County Health Department's Mosquito Abatement offices at 851-7637 or the Utah Department of Health Resource Line at 1-888-222-2542