An unknown number of mosquitoes in Denver recently tested positive for West Nile virus and the city health department on Friday urged the public to try to avoid insect bites.
Most people never know they have West Nile virus, because they either don’t get sick or have general flu-like symptoms. In a small percentage of cases, though, the virus invades the nervous system, causing seizures, paralysis, coma or death. People over 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment urged people to protect themselves by:
- Using an insect repellant that contains DEET
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants in areas likely to have mosquitoes
- Avoiding going outdoors around dusk and dawn
- Draining any standing water around their homes
The West Nile season started early this year, with a human case confirmed in Arapahoe County in June. So far, the state has confirmed seven human cases and four hospitalizations, but no deaths.
Last year was unusually severe for West Nile virus, with 634 known cases, 386 hospitalizations and 51 deaths in Colorado.
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