A pool of mosquitoes has tested positive for
West Nile Virus in Mesa County.
West Nile Virus in Mesa County.
Officials are urging residents to prevent
mosquito bites, as that is the most effective way to protect against West Nile
Virus.
mosquito bites, as that is the most effective way to protect against West Nile
Virus.
Follow these tips to prevent mosquito bites:
- Use
insect repellent either with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. - Dress
in long sleeves and pants when in areas where mosquitoes are active. - Drain
standing water on your property. - Stay
indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
While about 80 percent of people who contract
West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms, it can be a serious illness. About 1
in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms including
headache, body aches and fatigue. The fever can cause severe discomfort and can
lead to more serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis. People
with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and
kidney disease are at greater risk for serious illness.
West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms, it can be a serious illness. About 1
in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms including
headache, body aches and fatigue. The fever can cause severe discomfort and can
lead to more serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis. People
with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and
kidney disease are at greater risk for serious illness.
The incubation period for West Nile Virus is about 5-7
days, which means it usually takes that long for symptoms to appear after a
person is infected.
days, which means it usually takes that long for symptoms to appear after a
person is infected.
Last year, Mesa County had 11 human cases of West Nile
Virus and one death.
Virus and one death.
There is no treatment for West Nile Virus.