West Nile death 2nd in Utah County
For the second time in as many days, state and county health officials have confirmed a death from severe complications caused by West Nile virus.
The Utah County Health Department received the blood test results confirming a connection between the death and the virus Wednesday afternoon, said spokesman Lance Madigan.
The latest victim becomes the third West Nile virus-related death in Utah and the second this year. Scott Orrock, 79, died Sunday morning from severe encephalitis — an inflammation of the brain resulting from the mosquito-borne virus.
The most recent case also involved a Utah County resident over age 65 who died of progressive inflammation of the brain, Madigan said. The name and sex of the victim have not been released.
The individual likely contracted the disease from an infected mosquito in the Provo/Orem area, where he or she lived, Madigan said.
The risk of death is greater for senior citizens, but serious encephalitis and meningitis symptoms have been seen in all age groups, said Dr. Joseph Miner, executive director of the Utah County Health Department.
The statewide total is now 26, health officials said.
Local health officials continue to encourage people to protect themselves from West Nile virus by using mosquito repellents with DEET and covering up with long-sleeve shirts and pants in the evening and early morning hours.
Potential mosquito-breeding sites such as standing water in yards also should be eliminated, health officials said.
"We're trying to draw attention to the fact there is a definite public health risk here," Madigan said. "We don't want people to get tired of hearing the message but to take it to heart."
Utah County, which had 15 cases of West Nile virus in 2005, increased its mosquito-abatement efforts this year and has successfully reduced its mosquito numbers.
However, more mosquitos are carrying the virus. About 20 percent of the night-biting species of mosquito that spreads the virus are infected in Utah County, said Bob Mower, Utah County mosquito abatement director.
About 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus don't show any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nearly 20 percent of those infected experience flu-like symptoms. Fever, nausea, headache and body ache all are common, Miner said.
"As this isn't flu season, you should check with your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms," he said. "Although there is no cure for West Nile, supportive care can help."
West Nile virus has been detected in 13 of Utah's 29 counties. For more information on West Nile virus in Utah, visit www.health.utah.gov/wnv.
E-mail: jpage@desnews.com
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