start your summer mosquito free, prevent west
nile virus
nile virus
- The Grand Valley has weathered several
storms this month and warm weather is fast approaching. - Increased precipitation levels, when
paired with warm weather, could lead to a rapid increase of mosquito
populations in Mesa County, opening the door for West Nile Virus cases in 2016. - Mosquitoes, known to contribute to the
spread of West Nile Virus, lay groups of eggs on the surface of water in rain
barrels, bird baths, tin cans, old tires, car bodies, cisterns, roof gutters and
any other containers that hold water. - The most effective way to reduce the
number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods is to find and eliminate
their breeding sites – standing water. - Mesa County had two human cases of
West Nile Virus in 2015. We are seeing a downward trend with 15 cases in 2012,
nine in 2013 and seven in 2014. If we work together to keep mosquito populations
low, we can expect to see a continued low number of West Nile Virus cases, this
year. - Mesa County Health Department works
with Grand River Mosquito Control District
to monitor mosquito populations and test for infected mosquitoes. - The Health Department also
investigates confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus and can respond in urgent
situations.
ways for teens to celebrate sober this summer
- Graduation week calls for celebrations
with family members and friends. Festivities and activities that are alcohol free are a wise option. - In 2015, nearly three out of four Mesa
County high school students reported binge drinking at least once in the past
30 days. - Alcohol use plays a substantial role in all three leading causes of death among youth – unintentional injuries
(including motor vehicle fatalities and drownings), suicides and homicides. - Find an alternative way to celebrate
your accomplishments with your classmates. - Spend a sober weekend camping on BLM land
in Mesa County. The sites are free! - Tackle a challenging hike together,
one you’ll always remember taking as a group. - Create a selfie
scavenger hunt and break into teams for the day. - Bike the Riverfront Trail, have lunch in
Palisade or Fruita and bike back. - Have a movie marathon complete with
your favorite snacks. - Do a progressive
dinner downtown. - Play disc golf and have a picnic at Watson Island.
- If all else fails, simply spend a day
exploring Mesa County, before you leave it in the fall. - Make healthy choices this summer.
Start your next chapter off on the right foot!
