ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — Health experts are urging Coloradans to take precautions after the state's first human West Nile virus case of 2024 was confirmed in Arapahoe County.
“While we know that West Nile virus is endemic to Colorado—meaning we expect to see some cases each year—we never quite know how many to expect or just how bad a season will be," said Melissa Adair, communicable disease epidemiology manager at Arapahoe County Public Health."What this first case confirms for us, however, is that West Nile virus is present in our mosquito population, and as mosquito numbers increase, the risk of West Nile virus will, too.
Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile virus will develop severe symptoms that affect the nervous system. People over 60 years old are at higher risk, as well as those with Wear an EPA-approved insect repellent that includes DEET. These repellents are safe and effective for people ages 2 months and up, including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.Avoid recreating around standing water sources, such as lakes and ponds. If you are camping, use mosquito netting and/or insect repellent.Drain standing water sources including puddles, gutters, flower pots, tires, pool covers, boats and tarps.
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