West Nile virus kills Utah man

"Our efforts haven't been in vain," Mower said. "When compared to last year, our mosquito population is down by (more than) 50 percent."

The problem is more mosquitoes are carrying the virus, Miner said. About 20 percent of the night-biting species of mosquito that spreads the virus to humans are infected in Utah County.

"We've been effective in reducing the number of mosquitoes," Miner said, "but those that are still out there just have a higher infection rate."

Miner encourages people to protect themselves from West Nile virus by covering up with clothing and insect repellent with DEET when outdoors in the evening and early morning hours.

"The mosquito that bites at night is the one that's likely to give you West Nile virus," he said. "The daytime-biting mosquitoes don't spread West Nile virus."

Dawn Orrock said her husband had been in poor health in recent years, making him more susceptible to the virus.

Symptoms of West Nile virus vary from case to case. About 80 percent of people who are infected show no symptoms at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nearly 20 percent of those infected experience flu-like symptoms, Miner said. Fever, nausea and a rash also are common.

Orrock was among the one in 150 people infected with the virus who suffer from severe neurological symptoms.

Dawn Orrock said her husband's death should serve as a reminder to people to take precautions, but she hopes it doesn't frighten children from spending time outdoors.

"He was in bad health, first of all," she said. "It was more likely that he would pass away (from the virus) than someone who was in good health."

Dawn Orrock says she worries that if her grandchildren think their grandfather was killed by a mosquito, they'd be afraid to leave the house.

"We don't want to scare little kids," she said.

Dawn Orrock describes her husband as a "family man." The couple has 11 children, 50 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren — with more on the way.

Scott Orrock, who would have turned 80 next week, worked in the counseling department at Brigham Young University for 20 years.

West Nile virus has been detected in 13 of Utah's 29 counties. For more information on West Nile virus in Utah, visit www.health.utah.gov/wnv.

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