West Nile Virus is active in the Uintah Basin and residents are urged to take prevention seriously. According to the Utah Department of Health, there are now 9 mosquito pools in the state that have tested positive and two of those are in the TriCounty Health District, one in Duchesne County and one in Uintah County. Not all local mosquitos are the breed that carry West Nile Virus but of the species that do, they only bite from dusk to dawn. The best thing to do to prevent West Nile Virus is to use a product with DEET and to cover up with long sleeve shirts and pants when out after sunset. Residents need to get rid of standing water on their properties. Things like containers, wading pools, tires, or anything that collects water can produce a breeding ground for mosquitos. If you have a garden pond be sure to stock it with mosquito-eating fish or mosquito dunks.
