SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Health officials say they've confirmed Utah's first West Nile virus-related death this year.
Authorities from the state and the Bear River Health Department say Tuesday that a Box Elder County resident who is older than 65 died while in the hospital.
The death is among four confirmed cases of the virus this year in the state of Utah, and among two in Box Elder County.
State officials say that even though the case number is lower than in other states, such as Colorado and Texas, Utah residents shouldn't take the virus lightly.
State epidemiologist JoDee Baker says officials are working diligently to control mosquito populations, and says Utah residents should do the same in their homes and neighborhoods.
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