West Nile virus cases increase in area

There has been an increase of West Nile virus cases in the six-county health district of the Northeast Colorado Health Department. Currently there are two cases in Yuma County and one in Phillips County. Additional cases may be identified pending investigation.

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. and is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active in August and September, but because of the unseasonal warm weather, they will continue to be active until the first few hard freezes.

There are no vaccines for humans to prevent West Nile virus. Additionally, there are no specific medications to treat West Nile virus.

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