by Alli Howe | Aug 16, 2023 | News
Mosquitoes from two trap locations in Fruita and Grand Junction have tested positive for West Nile virus.
The Grand River Mosquito Control District collected the mosquitoes on August 8 and 9, 2023. The types of mosquitoes that tested positive were identified as Culex species, which can transmit West Nile virus to people.
This is the first confirmed West Nile activity in mosquitoes in Mesa County this year.
This information comes after the first human case of West Nile virus is confirmed in a Mesa County resident. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, so prevention is key.
This is the time of year when activity typically peaks, so it’s critical for residents to take precautions.
The best way to avoid getting West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Increased outdoor activity can lead to increased exposure to mosquito bites, so take some easy steps to protect yourself:
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent effective against mosquitoes. Look for one that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus,
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when in areas where mosquitoes are active,
- Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn; this is when mosquitoes are most active,
- Drain and remove sources of standing water on your property.
The public can view look at specific mosquito traps on the Grand River Mosquito Control District website, grmcd.org
Colorado Situation
So far this season, there are 22 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in residents of 13 counties, including Mesa and Delta counties. The state recently confirmed the first death associated with West Nile in Weld County.
In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths.
by Alli Howe | Aug 14, 2023 | News
Local Situation
For the first time this season, Mesa County has a confirmed human case of West Nile virus. This resident may have been exposed to the positive mosquito out of state, but this case serves as a reminder to protect yourself from mosquitoes wherever you are.
“To date in 2023, we have not had any Mesa County mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus; however, mosquitoes in surrounding counties have tested positive. Our partner, the Grand River Mosquito Control District, has ongoing mosquito surveillance to understand trends in our area and mitigate potential problem areas,” said Rachel Burmeister, Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Program Manager for Mesa County Public Health.
The public can view a heat map and look at specific mosquito traps on their website, grmcd.org
State Situation
So far this season, there are 22 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in residents of 13 counties, including Delta. The state recently confirmed the first death associated with West Nile in Weld County.
Additionally, West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes in nine of the 11 counties that have tested mosquitoes this season, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Delta, Denver, La Plata, Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld counties.
In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths.
Prevention
“We’re entering September, which is traditionally the peak of West Nile illness. We want our residents to be safe and take extra precautions,” advised Burmeister.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, so prevention is key. The best way to avoid getting West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Increased outdoor activity can lead to increased exposure to mosquito bites so take some easy steps to protect yourself:
- Use an EPA-approved insect repellent effective against mosquitoes. Look for one that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when in areas where mosquitoes are active.
- Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn; this is when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain and remove sources of standing water on your property.
Talk with a health care provider if you develop a fever with severe headaches or confusion.
Background
- The West Nile virus season runs from May through October with case counts typically peaking in September.
- Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. In fact, about 75-80% of cases are asymptomatic. For those who do experience symptoms, they can range from mild illness to severe encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
- People who are over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for severe illness.
- This is not a condition that spreads from person-to-person.
by Alli Howe | Aug 11, 2023 | Food Recall, News
Mesa County Public Health has been made aware of ice cream products being recalled that could have been distributed in Mesa County. The manufacturer, Real Kosher Ice Cream, is recalling soft serve ice cream and sorbet cups due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (or L. monocytogenes).
Description of Recalled Products
- Soft Serve on the Go Ice Cream Cups. Flavors: caramel, chocolate, Parve vanilla chocolate, peanut butter lite, razzle, sorbet strawberry mango, and vanilla.
- A more detailed description of the products that are subject to the recall can be found on the FDA website.
- They are sold at grocery stores and convenience stores. Real Kosher Ice Cream also distributes to long-term care facilities, schools, and camps.
What Should Consumers Do
- Check your freezers. Listeria can survive at freezing temperatures.
- Throw them away or return them to where you bought them for a refund.
- If you have any questions, contact the company at 845-668-4346 or info@softserveonthego.com (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5 pm EST).
Listeria Description and Treatment
- Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.
- Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and/or convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. It can be an invasive infection that spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
- In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems.
- Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.
by Alli Howe | Aug 2, 2023 | News, Public Health In Action
August is National Breastfeeding Month, a month dedicated to supporting mothers in reaching their breastfeeding goals.
Research shows that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for infants and mothers. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.
However, it can be difficult to manage breastfeeding for the recommended six to twelve months. Circumstances like difficulty latching and finding space to pump breastmilk at work, make it hard for mothers to reach their goals. Mesa County Public Health houses two programs that support moms when they choose to breastfeed, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). Staff in both programs have special training and credentials to provide breastfeeding education, such as Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). Staff also serve on the local Western Slope Breastfeeding Coalition which advocates for breastfeeding-friendly policies and education.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly referred to as WIC, provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and helps pay for healthy groceries. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children up to age five who meet income eligibility qualify. Breastfeeding moms receive generous food benefits, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
WIC also provides breastfeeding moms:
- Peer counseling
- Virtual infant feeding groups
- Free breast pumps
Marissa Alvarado, Mesa County WIC Educator, shared, “a Spanish-speaking mom came into the WIC clinic facing challenges with breastfeeding her premature baby. She met with our lactation consultant and one of our bilingual educators. She left the clinic with a breast pump and was more confident and assured that she was doing the best for her baby.” Alvarado reported that the mother continues to breastfeed.
Learn eligibility information for WIC.
Nurse-Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership is a program designed specifically for first-time moms who also meet income eligibility. Trained Registered Nurses begin working with these moms early in pregnancy and stay connected until the baby turns two. The nurse stays connected with the mom until the baby is two years old. These nurses can assess breastfeeding needs and provide help in families’ homes. They’re also connected to community resources for additional breastfeeding support when needed.
“One of our clients left the hospital breastfeeding her newborn but was very unsure of how long she wanted to continue to breastfeed. She became very concerned that her milk supply was low and was quickly losing confidence in her ability to continue to exclusively breastfeed,” shared Erin Andrews, Nurse-Family Partnership Manager. Andrews continued, “Her NFP nurse made a plan with her to weigh the baby weekly to validate the new mom’s efforts and provided regular check-ins to confirm that everything was going well. The baby is still exclusively breastfeeding at 2 months!”
Learn about eligibility information for Nurse-Family Partnership.
Media Contact: Alli Howe 970-697-4611 allison.howe@mesacounty.us
by Alli Howe | Jul 28, 2023 | News
Back-to-school checklists may include routine vaccinations and Mesa County Public Health is here to help make it as easy as possible.
We’re hosting a Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, August 5th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a walk-in clinic, so no appointment is needed. Parents can bring their child at a time that works best for them.
“We’re all about prevention. Vaccines prevent individual kids from getting serious illnesses and in turn prevent illness spreading from one child to another. This helps make for a smoother school year,” said Allison Sanchez, Clinical Services Manager at Mesa County Public Health.
Parents should bring their child’s immunization record with them, as well as their insurance card. If needed, nurses can check records to see which vaccines are needed. The clinic accepts all major health insurance plans, however, there are programs available for those without insurance.
“For children without insurance, we can provide vaccinations at low cost. We will work with all families to make sure kids get what they need for school,” said Sanchez.
The COVID-19 vaccine will also be available at the clinic if families are interested. Many families got behind on routine vaccinations during the pandemic. The Public Health Clinic is working to help families get back on track.
“Having those conversations with parents about where they are and where they need to be and setting up a timeline is really what we aim for to get them caught up as soon as we can,” said Sanchez.
If parents have any concerns about vaccinations, nurses will be on hand to answer questions.
