Grand River Mosquito Control District
collected mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the
first confirmed West Nile activity in mosquitoes in Mesa County this year and
comes two
weeks after a Mesa County resident was the first diagnosed human case of
West Nile virus in Colorado this year.
Residents should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to lessen chances of contracting West Nile virus.
How to
defend against mosquitoes:
  • Use EPA approved
    repellents, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Apply repellents
    sparingly, only to exposed skin. Saturation does not increase efficacy.
  • Wear light
    colored, loose fitting clothing, and long sleeves and pants, especially
    during dawn and dusk.
  • Avoid applying
    repellents to portions of children’s hands that are likely to have contact
    with eyes or mouth.
  • Never use
    repellents on wounds or irritated skin and wash repellent-treated skin
    after coming indoors. 
Taking measures to control mosquito
populations near your home and on your property will also reduce your risk of
bites and West Nile virus.
How to
control mosquito populations near your home:
  • Find and
    eliminate their breeding sites – standing water. Mosquitoes 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.
  • Drill holes in
    the bottom of recycling containers.
  • Clean pet water
    dishes regularly.
  • Change the water
    in bird baths at least once a week. 
About one in five people infected with
West Nile virus develop symptoms such as a fever, headache, body aches and
fatigue. Sometimes the virus can lead to more serious complications such as
meningitis and encephalitis. If symptoms occur, contact your health care
provider immediately.
Visit fightthebitecolorado.com for more information.