Our Disease Surveillance Team is monitoring for these seasonal illnesses.
This page will tell you what they are and what you can do to prevent them.
• Campylobacter
• Giardia
• Hantavirus
• Influenza
• Rotavirus
• Tickborne Disease
EMERGING NOW
Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, often referred to as bird flu, is a disease found in wild and domestic birds caused by the Avian Influenza A (H5N1) virus.
Report wild bird deaths to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Local Offices. Additional resources are below.
WHAT’S GOING AROUND MESA COUNTY
Spotlight Topics
These illnesses or diseases are potentially harmful to you and your family.
Campylobacter
Campylobacter is a bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and nausea.
You can get sick from eating raw or undercooked foods, like meat, seafood, and produce.
You can prevent campylobacter by washing your hands before cooking, keeping raw food separated from other ingredients
and cook everything to a safe temperature.
Find more information about campylobacter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Giardia
Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and dehydration.
Poop from people or animals infected with giardia spreads easily. You can get sick from swallowing contaminated food and water. It can transfer from your hand to your mouth after touching a dirty surface, like a toilet handle.
You can prevent giardia by washing your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. You should also properly treat water from lakes or rivers while camping.
Learn more about giardia from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents. It can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which causes coughing and shortness of breath.
You can get sick from hantavirus when rodent urine or poop are stirred up and you breathe in the virus. Cases are usually in rural areas with out buildings or barns where rodents like to nest.
You can prevent hantavirus by sealing up holes and caps in your garage. When cleaning rodent poop, wear gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Find more information about hantavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Influenza (flu)
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It causes fever, cough, and muscle aches.
You can get sick when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes and you breathe in small droplets with the virus.
The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Find more information about flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea.
You can get sick from putting unwashed hands that are contaminated in your mouth. Rotavirus can spread from family members and other people with whom they have close contact. Children are most likely to get rotavirus in the winter and spring (January through June).
The best way to prevent rotavirus is to get a rotavirus vaccination.
Learn more about rotavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tickborne Disease
There are several diseases transmitted by ticks, the most well-known is Lyme disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a skin rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
These diseases are spread through the bite of infected ticks.
You can prevent tick bites by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants. Check your clothing and body after you come indoors after being in a grassy or wooded area.
Find more information about diseases spread by ticks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Additional Resources and Links