The San Juan Basin Health Department reports the year’s first confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in La Plata and Archuleta counties in southwest Colorado.
A 33-year-old woman in Archuleta County and 72-year-old male in La Plata County tested positive this week for West Nile Virus. Both sought medical treatment and are currently recovering at home.
Colorado had only four previous cases of West Nile Virus reported this year, according to health officials. Last year, 81 cases were reported statewide.
West Nile Virus human cases typically are reported through September and occasionally even into October. Therefore, the Health Department recommends individuals use preventative measures, including eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can hatch, protecting against mosquito bites by covering skin between dusk and dawn or using repellent.
Recommended mosquito repellents include: Those containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (with active ingredient PMD, or p-menthane diol) or IR3535.
For more information, visit , or call the statewide toll-free HelpLine: 1-877-462-2911.
