Local case of West Nile a reminder that mosquito season isn’t over

   As summer draws to a close, the state health department reminds Coloradans to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites to avoid the West Nile virus. There have been six human cases of the virus reported in Colorado so far this year, and mosquito pools in multiple counties have tested positive for the virus. One such case was Phillips County resident Joe Hall.
    “The biggest months for human West Nile virus cases in Colorado are August and September,” said Jennifer House, state public health veterinarian. “When vacations are over, and the kids go back to school, it’s easy to forget mosquitoes are still out in force. We want to remind people to keep using insect repellent and other methods to avoid mosquito bites.”
    So far this year, Coloradans in Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, Morgan and Phillips counties have contracted the virus. One had West Nile fever, while the remaining five were hospitalized with a more severe form of the disease. There have been no deaths this season, and the six people are recovering. A number of other suspected cases are currently being investigated.
    “I don’t even remember getting bit,” Hall noted. After feeling unwell for about two weeks and developing a fever several days in a row, he was tested for the virus. Although Hall is feeling better now, he serves as a reminder to others that the threat of West Nile virus is still present. He noted that he forewent wearing repellent because he hadn’t seen many mosquitoes, but he’s since learned that doesn’t mean one can assume they won’t be bitten.
    “The recent increase in reports indicates West Nile virus transmission to people is on the rise,” House said. “Be vigilant in guarding against mosquito bites.”
    In addition to the human cases, two horses and 12 birds have been identified with the virus. The animal cases were in Larimer and Weld counties.

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