Colo. (KJCT) — Three people have been infected with West Nile virus (WNV) in Montrose County, and health officials are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites
The virus is typically spread to humansin August and September. County health officials urged residents to stay vigilant as mosquito season continues and encouraged residents to take specific steps to prevent infection
“Using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, limiting time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active and eliminating standing water around your home can all help prevent mosquito bites,” said Lisa Gallegos, emergency preparedness and response coordinator for Montrose County Public Health
The vast majority of people who are infected by WNV do not develop symptoms and may never know they were infected. Roughly 20% of people develop symptoms similar to a bout with the flu. Fewer than 1% develop life-threatening symptoms. County health officials said that people over the age of 60 and those with “certain medical conditions” are at greater risk of serious illness
Anyone who develops headaches, confusion, or other serious symptoms should immediately contact their doctor, officials said
County health officials recommended residents take the following steps to keep themselves safe:
- Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol.
- Stay inside as much as you can during dusk and dawn.
- Wear clothing that protects most of your body. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks are recommended. You can also apply insect repellent to your clothes for added protection.
- Drain standing water around your home or property at least once a week. Don’t forget to check tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys, and anywhere else water might collect.
- Install screens on windows and doors, and fix or replace any damaged screens.
- Replace your outdoor lights with yellow “bug lights.” These attract fewer mosquitoes, but officials said they do not actively repel them.
Montrose County residents can also take advantage of free mosquito dunks, which can be used to keep mosquito larvae from developing in standing water that cannot be drained. Those are available at Montrose County Public Health at 1845 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose
