BYU Public Health

“Fight the Bite”
Last week at Orem Summerfest, Dr. Cole’s class along with BYU interns from the Utah County Health Department helped people learn about West Nile Virus and how to protect themselves.
See below for a news release written by BYU student Megan Carr, and photos from the event.

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Meagan Carr
meaganlcarr@gmail.com
Students Help Community “Fight the Bite”
Students from the Brigham Young University Department of Health Science recently teamed up with the Utah County Health Department to help raise awareness about West Nile virus and mosquito control at the Orem Summerfest held June 12-13.

Members of the Infectious Disease class spread the word about the danger of West Nile and how to be safe while having fun this summer. Children were invited to “Fight the Bite” by playing a game and to check out live mosquitoes. Parents and families were educated on the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting this summer and given a free towelette with bug repellent. Over 500 towelettes were given away on Friday.

“Most people know that West Nile is an illness,” said Meagan Carr, a volunteer from BYU. “What they don’t know is that it is a concern here in Utah County. People need to learn how to protect themselves.”

The virus has already been detected in several mosquito pools in Utah. It is anticipated that this year will be a bad season for West Nile in Utah County because of the unusual wet weather that helps mosquitoes breed.

West Nile is a virus that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Most people who contract West Nile do not experience any symptoms but about 20% develop flu-like symptoms including body aches, fever and possibly a rash and fatigue. Severe cases develop neurological problems such as meningitis or encephalitis and may take a long time to recover. People most at risk for developing serious illness include those with diabetes, the immunocompromised and those aged 65 and older.

Bug repellent with DEET is the most effective way to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Repellents with up to 30% DEET are safe to use on children as young as two months old. Using repellent from dusk until dawn is recommended when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors will also provide protection from mosquitoes.
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is June 21-27.

For more information: www.health.utah.gov/wnv or 801-538-6191