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Health Officials Confirm 51 Cases of West Nile Statewide

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Sep 12, 2012 at 5:52 AM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 13, 2012 at 12:54 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- New numbers released by state health officials reveal there are now 51 human cases of the West Nile virus in Colorado.

The Mesa County Health Department says nearly 20 mosquito samples have recently tested positive in several areas throughout the valley spanning from Palisade to the Fruita-Mack area, and people should continue to defend themselves from mosquito bites.

"With the weather changing it's getting a little bit cooler and people might just relax a little bit and think it's not a concern anymore, but West Nile virus is still absolutely something that we want people to be mindful of in our community and it will be until really we get the first freeze in the fall," said Karen Martsolf of the Mesa County Health Department.

Health officials urge residents to remember the four D's: drain standing water on your property so mosquitoes won't breed there, use insect repellent containing DEET, stay indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and dress in long sleeves and pants while outside to protect yourself.

West Nile virus has claimed two lives in Colorado so far this year, both in Montrose County.

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