It’s officially here. Weeks ago, it was reported that a deadly virus was detected in Las Vegas, just 100 miles from the Utah border.  At the time, health officials warned that it could soon make its way north... and now, it has.

The Salt Lake County Health Department confirmed that SEVERAL mosquito pools have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, including traps set in downtown Salt Lake City and the Sugar House area. Now, according to officials, more positive pools are expected in the coming weeks.

WHAT TO DO:

If you’re thinking “That's not my neighborhood, I’m probably fine,” think again. Mosquitoes are tiny little escape artists that can travel several miles, so anyone in the surrounding region, including nearby counties, should take this pretty seriously!

This news follows an earlier warning out of Las Vegas, where 169 mosquito pools tested positive, breaking some older records. Officials attributed the rise to recent weather, which has created a perfect storm of warmer temperatures and extra rainfall.

Common Symptoms of West Nile Virus:

• Fever

• Headache

• Body aches

• Nausea

• Skin rash

• Swollen lymph glands

• Sore throat

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Joint pain

Only 1 in 150 cases become severe, so yes... the odds are low, but the risk still isn't something to brush off.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use EPA-registered repellents (like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).

• After sunset, wear long sleeves and pants—yes, even if it's hot.

• Dump standing water from things like buckets, old tires, and plant trays.

• Clean out gutters.

• Stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.

• Make sure window screens are intact.

• Keep weeds and tall grass trimmed—mosquitoes love shady hideouts.