Mosquitos in Battlement Mesa test positive for West Nile virus

PRESS RELEASE
August 14, 2024

Mosquitos in a Battlement Mesa trap have tested positive for West Nile virus. As of July 31, Colorado has had seven human cases of the virus, with no deaths and four hospitalizations.

West Nile is transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquito testing and mitigation efforts occur throughout Garfield County in the summer, but additional personal precautions are needed to avoid getting bitten.

“We have mosquito traps throughout the county and will continue to monitor these locations, but now we know the virus is circulating in our region,” said Jannette Whitcomb, Garfield County environmental health manager. “There have been human cases elsewhere in the state this year. This is a reminder to take personal precautions because it only takes one bite to contract the virus.”

Garfield County reports weekly trapping and testing results.

Most people show no symptoms, but in rare cases, the virus can cause serious brain infections. There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile Virus. The only way to reduce your risk is to take precautions to avoid bites.

The 4-D’s of prevention

Drain standing water

A mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs in a puddle the size of a bottle cap.

Dusk and Dawn limit activity

This is when mosquitoes are most active.

DEET or other effective repellents
Repellents work by helping to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

Dress appropriately
Wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn when mosquito are most active

Groups most at risk

Older and immunocompromised people

Most people who are infected have a minor illness and recover fully. But older people and those with weak immune systems are more likely to get a serious illness from the infection.

Pets

Pets occasionally get West Nile virus and very rarely get sick. Horses are more susceptible to serious illness than dogs and cats. A vaccine is available for Equine West Nile Virus.