
Salt Lake County reports first 2026 West Nile case, urges mosquito precautions
Salt Lake County Health Department confirms the county’s first human West Nile virus case of 2026. The virus has been detected in 86 mosquito samples locally and 296 statewide, indicating elevated transmission risk. Officials urge residents to use EPA-registered repellents, wear long sleeves after dusk, drain standing water, and keep screens intact. Most infections are mild, but neuroinvasive West Nile virus can be deadly, with four Utahns dying last year.













