SECOND 2018 HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS IDENTIFIED
- A second 2018 human case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been identified in Mesa County.
- The first human case of this season was identified in late August and was the first human case in Mesa County since 2015.
- Statewide, 65 human cases have been reported, this year.
- Neighboring counties Montrose and Delta have also seen an increase in WNV human cases with six cases and five cases, respectively.
- WNV is a mosquito-transmitted infection that can cause fever, joint pain, vomiting, headache, rash, body aches, diarrhea or other serious complications.
- Residents are reminded that mosquitoes will be active in our community until the first freeze and we could continue to see human cases of WNV until that time.
- Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) monitors and investigates WNV cases and tests mosquitoes for the virus in cooperation with the Grand River Mosquito Control District and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- Limit mosquitoes near your home and on your property.
- Drain standing water around your home at least once a week.
- Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.
- Clip tall grass or weeds near your home or where people use your yard.
- Prevent mosquito bites.
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency approved insect repellent effective against mosquitoes such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2-undecanone when spending time outdoors.
- Repellents shouldn’t be used on babies younger than two months and products with oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol shouldn’t be used on children younger than three years.
- Wear long pants and long shirts whenever possible and avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good working order and cover cribs, strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting if you’re spending time outside.
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency approved insect repellent effective against mosquitoes such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2-undecanone when spending time outdoors.
- Visit health.mesacounty.us and click on the “Illness & Injury” page to learn more about WNV.