West Nile virus detected in Southern Utah

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Health officials in Washington County say the West Nile virus has been detected in a sample of mosquitoes.

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department says it's the first confirmed presence of the disease in the state in 2010.

Health officials say it's likely the mosquitoes were already infected before the winter.

Mosquitoes can transmit the disease to animals and people.

Health officials say people can reduce the risk of mosquito exposure with insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants and dumping any standing water on their property.