Health Officials Confirm First Human Case of West Nile Virus

(Salt Lake City, UT) – Public health officials from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and the Bear River Health Department (BRHD) verified the state’s first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2012. The individual is a resident of Box Elder County, between the age of 18 and 39.

To date, there has been limited activity involving positive mosquito pools detected in northern Utah, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t here. The best way to reduce your risk of contracting West Nile virus is to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. UDOH epidemiologist JoDee Baker says, "Prevention is simple and the disease can be severe, so it just makes sense to take precautions."

 

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, but not all mosquitoes carry the virus. The mosquitoes that do carry the virus are typically out from dusk to dawn. So, when you’re outdoors during those times, it’s important to wear mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin, as well as long sleeved shirts and long pants. For adults and children between the ages of 2 months and 12 years old, use repellents containing up to 30% DEET. Remove any puddles or standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, including birdbaths, swimming pools, old tires and plant containers.

West Nile virus infections in humans are rare, but they do occur. Since 2003, there have been 327 verified human cases of West Nile virus in Utah, as well as eight deaths. Symptoms of the severe form of West Nile virus include: high fever, severe headache and stiff neck, disorientation and confusion. If you are experiencing symptoms of West Nile virus, please contact your health care provider immediately.

 

West Nile virus surveillance in Utah is underway and will continue throughout the summer and fall. For more information, call your local health department or visit www.health.utah.gov/wnv. Throughout the WNV season, the UDOH Web page will be updated each Wednesday with available detection information.

 

 

 

Media Contact:

Becky Ward
Health Educator
Work: 801-538-6682
Cell: 801-647-5421

UDOH to Host Outreach Meeting for Breach Victims

WHO:            
Utah Department of Health (UDOH) officials

WHAT:           

UDOH staff will provide personal, individualized assistance to Utahns who want additional     

information about the recent data breach of a state government computer server

WHEN:         

Thursday, July 26, 2012

4-7 p.m.
(This is an open house format – individuals can come at any time between these hours for 
personal help.)

WHERE:         

Salt Lake County Government Center

South Building, Atrium
2001 S. State St.
Salt Lake City, Utah

This is the first stop of UDOH’s Data Breach Solution Center tour, a series of workshops throughout the state designed to provide personal, one-on-one help and information regarding the recent data breach. In all, the tour will make 12 stops at communities across Utah and will end on August 22 in St. George.

Utah’s Data Security Ombudsman, Sheila Walsh-McDonald, and her staff will be at each workshop to provide individual case management, giving the public the opportunity to learn more about the data breach and protect themselves.

For a full schedule of events across the state, as well as additional information on the UDOH’s Data Breach Solution Center tour visit http://health.utah.gov/databreach/ or call the 24-hour hotline at 1-855-238-3339.

# # #

Media Contact:

Tom Hudachko
UDOH Public Information Officer
(o) 801-538-6232
(m) 801-560-4649

Cigarette-related Fire Danger High this Season

(Salt Lake City) – Fires are raging across Utah and officials say cigarettes may be the cause of at least one wildfire and multiple house fires. This has prompted the Utah Department of Health’s (UDOH) Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) to issue a cigarette safety warning to the public.

Twenty-eight wildfires have blazed their way across the state this year, costing nearly $50 million in firefighting resources. Some were caused by target shooting and lightning, and fireworks have been banned in many areas due to their potential fire hazard. Fire officials say the Grease Fire in Millard County may have been caused by a cigarette. On July 23, fire officials reported a West Jordan house fire that caused more than $60,000 in damage and resulted in the death of a family pet.

“Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, lighters, and matches pose a serious fire danger in our homes and the outdoors,” said Amy Oliver, Media Liaison for the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. “Snuffing out your cigarette completely can help to reduce fires, but the best way to prevent fires is to not smoke at all.”

Quit smoking resources like the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1.800.QUIT.NOW and UtahQuitNet.com can help smokers quit tobacco and reduce their own fire hazard potential. “The decision to quit smoking has always had many personal benefits, like better health, more money to use on other needs, and the fact that food tastes better and your sense of smell improves,” said Oliver. “The added benefit of preventing fires and protecting our homes and the outdoors is icing on the cake for quitters.”

From January 2008 to June 2012, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reported 1,360 fires related to smoking. Recent data show 249 fires, or 18 percent, were caused by cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. An additional 314 fires, or 23 percent, were attributed to misuse of cigarette lighters. Across the state, 21,435 fires were reported during this time period.

For free help quitting smoking, call the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1.800.QUIT.NOW, or visit www.UtahQuitNet.com.

Media contact:

Amy Oliver

Media Liaison

(801) 538-6917 (desk) 

(801) 783-9067 (cell)