First West Nile case in Salt Lake County reported

Health officials have confirmed the first case of West Nile virus in a person in Salt Lake County this year.

The Salt Lake Valley Health Department says the case involves a child who was exposed while camping in the Uintah Mountains.

The child was diagnosed with West Nile fever, a less severe form of the virus. The child was not hospitalized.

Health officials say the case is a reminder for residents to take precautions to prevent West Nile, which is typically spread by mosquitoes.

Health officials urge residents to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside, use mosquito repellants when outside at night and remove standing water and other potential mosquito breeding areas.

Last year, Salt Lake County reported 31 cases of the virus. In 2006, it was 55.

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