West Nile case confirmed in Mesa County

By JACE DICOLA

Jace.DiCola@gjsentinel.com

Mesa County’s first case of West Nile virus this season was confirmed Thursday.

Last year, there were 18 confirmed cases in the county, with 13 of those people being hospitalized.

The virus, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, can lead to symptoms ranging from mild illness to severe inflammation of the brain, according to Mesa County Public Health.

However, the health department added in a statement that most people infected with the West Nile virus do not get sick, as about 75-80% of cases are asymptomatic.

According to Mesa County Public Health, taking steps to prevent mosquito bites is critical to minimizing the risk of West Nile. Because mosquitoes rely on water to reproduce, it’s recommended that residents ensure any sources of standing water on their property are drained.

It’s additionally advised that residents avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active; when around high mosquito activity, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are all effective against mosquitoes.

This season’s first case of West Nile came shortly after a surge in the local mosquito population caused by the third rainiest June recorded since 1893 that was reported by the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction Regional Airport Station.

Earlier in July, Grand River Mosquito Control District Manager Tim Moore said the species of mosquitoes they have seen the most do not spread the West Nile Virus. However, the Culex species, which does carry the virus, begin to populate in July.

According to Mesa County Public Health, cases of the virus typically peak in September. Only one other human case has been confirmed in the state this season, specifically, in Arapahoe County.

In this file photo, a member of the Grand River Mosquito Control District sprays onto a lake in the James M. Robb Connected Lakes area to control the mosquito population.

LARRY ROBINSON / The Daily Sentinel