DENVER – A Mesa County man has been diagnosed with Colorado’s first human case of West Nile virus of 2015.
Also, mosquitoes collected in Larimer and Denver counties are carrying West Nile virus, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said on Wednesday. The department expects more counties to find infected mosquitoes as the summer progresses.
Public health officials advise Colorado residents to take precautions against West Nile virus by using mosquito repellent and other methods to avoid mosquito bites. Last year, 118 people in Colorado contracted West Nile virus, and four died.
“Although we can’t predict how much West Nile virus activity will occur this summer, we know the virus is present, and that means people are at risk,” said Jennifer House, state public health veterinarian.
To help prevent West Nile virus infection, follow the four D’s:
Drain standing water around your house weekly. Drain water from tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.
Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes are most active, so limit outdoor activities and try to prevent mosquito bites during these times.
DEET is an effective ingredient in insect repellents. Follow label instructions carefully.
Dress in long sleeves and pants where mosquitoes are active.
For more information, visit www.FightTheBiteColorado.com.