West Nile In The Grand Valley
It's confirmed. A West Nile Virus carrying mosquito has been captured within five miles of Grand Junction.
As I had posted a couple months ago, this winters heavy mountain snowfall, along with the early spring, lead to a higher than normal Colorado river. As the water reseeded it left a larger number of pools resulting in a higher than normal mosquito population. The Grand River Mosquito Control District and Mesa County Public Health set traps around the Grand Junction area and regularly test for the West Nile Virus. One recently tested positive.
One of the problems with West Nile is that most infected have few, if any, of the symptoms. Those that do get West Nile Fever, which can take up to two weeks after being infected, suffer from fever, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and a rash. Less than %1 contract the neurological disease associated with the virus.
The best advice is to limit your time outdoors. Especially in the evening hours. When you do venture out make sure to wear protective clothing and use a quality repellent with the active ingredient DEET. Keep an eye out for water collecting in gutters, old tires, bird baths, and empty them regularly.
Credit: westernslopenow.com
For more information, contact the Grand River Mosquito Control District by clicking HERE or call (970)257-0191.