Mosquitoes in Draper have tested positive for West Nile virus, Draper City confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 12, as Salt Lake County reported its second human case of the year and a countywide mosquito infection rate seven times the norm.

The Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District found 35% of samples tested during the week of Aug. 12 were positive for West Nile, according to KUTV. The Salt Lake County Health Department called that rate "significantly higher-than-normal," noting it typically runs at 5% or less at this point in the year.

The county's first human case was reported July 30. A second was confirmed Aug. 12.

Statewide, Utah has recorded 709 positive mosquito samples so far in 2026. At the same point last year, there were 108. In 2024, there were 92. The health department described the current statewide pace as roughly six times what officials would normally expect.

The two other mosquito abatement districts in Salt Lake County, covering South Salt Lake Valley and Magna, reported similarly elevated levels.

What residents should know

About 4 in 5 people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms, according to the CDC. About 1 in 5 will develop fever. In roughly 1 in 150 cases, the virus causes severe illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, and 1 in 10 of those severe cases are fatal. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals face the highest risk. No vaccine or specific treatment exists.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.

How to protect yourself

Salt Lake County Emergency Management issued a prevention advisory urging residents to:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
• Drain standing water from old tires, plant trays, pet dishes and buckets
• Keep roof gutters clear and ensure door and window screens are intact
• Cut weeds and tall grass short

Residents who need help managing ponds or standing water on their property can contact their local mosquito abatement district through the Utah Mosquito Abatement Association's district finder at umaa.org/districts.