West Nile Confirmed In Mesa County
Officials confirm trapt collected mosquitos test positive for the West Nile Virus.
Last week I shared the story of the large swarms of mosquitoes being reported on The Grand Mesa. Now Grand River Mosquito Control District and the Mesa Country Public Health departments confirm in a press release that, "Mosquitoes from two trap locations in Mesa County have tested positive for West Nile virus."
The infected samples were collected on August 5th in the Fruita area. Also confirmed was the types of mosquitoes that tested positive can indeed transmit the West Nile Virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people infected with the virus don't develop symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 do and those symptoms can include a headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. You can find out more information about West Nile and how to protect yourself on the CDC website by clicking HERE.
This is the first confirmed positive tests for the virus in Mesa Country so far this year. The good news is that there have been no human cases reported. There were two confirmed human contracted cases of West Nile last year. As I mentioned last week, remember these tips to help prevent contracting the virus...
- Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
- Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing where mosquitoes can get to your skin.
- Stay indoors when possible, especially if there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect.
- Use approve mosquito repellents and follow label directions and precautions closely.
- Use head nets, long sleeves, and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations.
You can read the Mesa Country Public Health department's press release by clicking HERE.