West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a serious health threat for people, horses, many species of birds, and other animals. WNV is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that was first documented on the east coast of the US in 1999. The virus spread to Utah in 2003 and has reemerged every year since then. Birds are the natural hosts of the disease with humans and horses serving as accidental hosts.

The majority of people infected with WNV never develop symptoms. A small percentage of infected people will display West Nile fever symptoms (i.e. fever, headache, and body aches). A more serious form of the disease, West Nile neuroinvasive illness, also may occur when the virus infects the central nervous system. People with this form of the disease will have high fevers, severe headaches, neck stiffness, and mental confusion. Hospitalization may be required and death is possible.

Since West Nile virus is spread mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes, people can protect themselves from infection by using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing protective clothing, keeping window and door screens intact, and avoiding prime mosquito biting hours. Another important step is to avoid having water-holding containers, which provide breeding sites for mosquitoes. Mosquito Abatement District-Davis also carries out mosquito control activities to further limit the population of mosquito vectors.

Contact Information

Communicable Disease Information Line
801-525-5200

Email Us
Ask-a-Nurse@daviscountyutah.gov

Physical Address
22 South State St.
Clearfield, Utah 84015
For a map, click here.

Mailing Address
Davis County Health Department
P.O. Box 618
Farmington, Utah 84025

Phone Number
(801) 525-5000

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except legal holidays)

Davis County Health Department - Facebook

Davis County Health Department - Twitter

Davis County Health Department - Youtube

Information Links

	UDOH - West Nile Virus weekly disease summary
	Mosquito Prevention: Mosquito Abatement District-Davis
	Human Health: Utah Department of Health
	Human Health: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
	Animal Health: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
	Animal Health: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
	Tips to repel West Nile Virus (pdf)
	Prevention Starts in your own backyards (pdf)
	Mosquito Activity Forecast