FARMINGTON, Utah (KUTV) — Health officials in Davis County confirmed one person died after being infected with a neuroinvasive form of West Nile Virus.
The death is the first confirmed fatality connected to West Nile Virus in Utah for 2025.
The Davis County Health Department said it verified three reported cases of West Nile Virus. Two of those cases were neuroinvasive and the patients were hospitalized. One of those hospitalized passed away due to the infection.
“Most people who have been infected with West Nile Virus don’t develop any symptoms, but it can cause mild to severe illness in some people,” said Davis County Health Department spokesperson Trevor Warner in a media release. “It is estimated that less than 1% of people infected with West Nile Virus develop the neuroinvasive form of the disease, which can result in debilitating long-term complications or death.”
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Health officials said symptoms of a West Nile Virus infection typically appear within two to 14 days of a mosquito bite. Symptoms may include fever, headaches or body aches. More severe infections may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors and muscle weakness.
Individuals over the age of 60 or people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of illness due to West Nile Virus, but Warner said anyone can become ill from the bite of an infected mosquito. It is currently unclear the age or condition of the individual who passed away.
The Utah Department of Health has reported that as of Aug. 30, 2025, Utah has seen 16 reported cases of West Nile Virus. Of those 16, 13 developed into a neuroinvasive form of the virus and only the one patient in Davis County has died.
The Davis County Health Department urged anyone who believes they may have a West Nile Virus infection to contact their healthcare provider.
Utahns are also encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and infection by using mosquito repellent, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting long sleeves and pants after dusk, and, when possible, avoid prolonged outdoor activity at dawn and dusk.
Utahns can prevent bites by draining standing water in yards, keeping gutters clear of debris, and keep weeds and tall grass cut short.
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