Summer Recreation
Here you will find all the ways we can help you have a fun and healthy summer
Algal Bloom info, West Nile Virus, Helmets
Recreational Water
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) develop when naturally occuring cyanobacteria in the water multiply very quickly to form green or blue-green water, scum or mats. These blooms can produce potent cyanotoxins that pose serious health risks to humans, pets and livestock.
- habs.utah.gov has information on local and state water bodies that are monitored for HABs
How to stay safe:
- Don’t swallow water when swimming.
- Wash hands with clean water before eating or preparing food.
- Clean fish well and discard the guts.
- Keep animals away.
- Recognize the signs of a bloom, and when in doubt, stay out.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
Keep the following in mind to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus:
- Mosquitoes carrying WNV, bite between dusk and dawn.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and use EPA-registered DEET mosquito repellent.
- Always follow instructions before applying DEET to children, do not use DEET repellent on children under 2 years old, instead dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Cover strollers with mosquito nets.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- If using sunscreen and repellent, apply sunscreen first, repellent second.
- Permethrin-treated clothes provide protection after multiple washings; do not use permethrin (an insecticide that repels and kills mosquitoes) directly on skin.
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html for more information
Helmet Safety
Recreational Camp Site Information Coming Soon
Related Services
Food Trucks
To learn more about Food Truck Permittting, click the photo above.
Starting Your Own Business
To learn more about the Sstarting your own business click the photo above.
children with special healthcare needs
To learn more about helping out with children that have special healthcare needs, click the photo above.
serving for health
Vernal (435) 247-1177
133 South 500 East, Vernal, UT, 84078
Environmental Health Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:30-5:30
Fri 8-5
Environmental Health office is closed noon-1 pm
WIC HOURS:
MON-7:30-4
TUES-THURS 7:30-5:30
Fri 8-5
Roosevelt office closed noon-1pm