Mother sends out warning for West Nile Virus

A mother from St. George is warning others after her teenage son nearly died from West Nile virus.

Kate Horn said the 17-year-old was bitten by a mosquito and ended up in the I-C-U with the more serious neuroinvasive form.

Health officials say it affects about one-percent of West Nile patients and can cause swelling in the brain and spinal cord.

Horn says her son is now home after 11-days in the hospital, but has to undergo speech and physical therapy, and still has no appetite.

Experts say the best way to avoid mosquito bites is to remove standing water from around your home and use mosquito repellent with DEET.