Salt Lake City, UT) - The Fourth of July is a holiday that typically includes the entire family in outdoor activities such as camping, boating, or family picnics. This Fourth of July, remember to put mosquito repellent containing DEET into your vehicle, backpack or purse. The risk of getting West Nile virus is increasing with the temperature on the thermometer.

Many people think of West Nile virus as an "old person’s disease" and that they do not need to take precautions against mosquito bites. It is true that the risk of severe disease increases with age. But in the United States during 2003, 148 children under the age of 19 developed the most severe forms of the illness: meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. In fact, 43 percent of the cases of severe West Nile virus were in people under the age of 50. "There is nothing magic about the age 50," declares Utah State Epidemiologist, Robert Rolfs, M.D. "While risk increases with age, there is no age at which there is no risk. Everyone needs protection."

Utah’s state and local health departments have requested that retailers stock extra mosquito repellent with DEET this year in anticipation of West Nile virus. Convenient towelettes are easy to carry and use. Many manufacturers have developed mosquito repellent that is odorless and non-sticky.

Surrounding states, including South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California have all reported human cases of West Nile virus. So remember to take your mosquito repellent with DEET along on family outings this holiday weekend, and use it on all family members over the age of two months and consider a stroller netting for babies. Put your DEET on from dusk until dawn. For added protection, wear long sleeves and pants.

8:49:16 AM    

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Department of Transportation will have the following traffic control in place through the July 4th weekend.

1. Redwood Road will be closed from 7000 South to 8200 South on July 3 from 10 a.m. until noon for a parade.

2. State Street will be restricted to one lane each direction from 6100 South to Vine Street on July 3 for a parade and 5K race from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

3. Interstate 215 will be restricted to three lanes in each direction from 4700 South to Redwood Road.

4. I-215 on the east side will be restricted to two lanes in each direction over two bridges between 3500 S. to 4100 S.

5. Interstate 15 will be restricted to three lanes in each direction from 10600 South to Utah County line.

6. 12300 South will be restricted to one lane in each direction between 700 East and Factory Outlet Drive and Between 1300 West and Bangerter Highway.

7. 7800 South will be restricted to one lane in each direction between Redwood Road and 2700 West.

1. Interstate 84 will be restricted to one lane in each direction over several bridges between Snowville and the Idaho state line.

2. I-84 will be restricted to one lane in each direction for approximately 10 miles between Mountain Green and Morgan.

1. I-15 will be restricted to one lane each direction from milepost 119 to 132 (just north of Beaver).

2. I-15 will also be restricted to one lane each direction from approximately Paragonah to state Route 20.

UDOT reminds motorists that it is illegal and unsafe to park on any freeway to watch fireworks. Travelers are advised to visit www.commuterlink.utah.gov and to call 511, Utah’s free travel information line, to find the latest construction and road condition updates.

8:32:32 AM