West Nile virus comes to the valley

This can't be good !

The Bear River Health Department's Web site states that symptoms vary for those who have been infected by the virus. Approximately 80 percent of people infected may have mild or no symptoms, while severe symptoms - found in about one in 150 people - can include high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis or death. Persons most likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito are those who spend time outdoors between dusk and dawn. Persons over 50 years old who are infected are more likely to develop severe illness and health problems. "If you haven't listened to the message yet, now is the time to pay attention."

Residents can best protect themselves and their families by:

Wearing insect repellent with DEET.
Wearing pants and long sleeves when outdoors.
Avoiding going outdoors dusk through dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Removing standing water around homes and businesses to prevent mosquito breeding.