Mosquito season is under way on the Western Slope. As you and your staff plan work barbecues, summer picnics or other outside events, remember prevention is key to staying healthy this summer.

Mesa County Public Health encourages everyone to take precautions to limit mosquito bites. Prevention is crucial when it comes to avoiding West Nile virus, which is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus season runs from May through October. Case counts typically peak in September.

Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t get sick — about 75 percent to 80 percent of cases are asymptomatic. For those who do experience symptoms, they can range from mild illness to severe encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. People over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for severe illness.

“West Nile virus infections can often go unnoticed as many people may not show any symptoms or only experience mild ones like fever and headache. It’s possible
to be infected without realizing it,” said Kathleen Satterfield, an epidemiologist with Mesa County Public Health. “However, in certain cases, especially among older adults or those with weakened immune systems, West Nile virus can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict how an individual will respond if they contract the virus.”

Last year was a severe year for West Nile virus in Colorado. There were 18 cases in Mesa County, and 13 of those people were hospitalized. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), 634 cases of West Nile virus were reported across Colorado in 2023. Statewide, 386 people were hospitalized and 51 died.

“Now is the time to think about prevention. There are simple, effective things you can do to lower your risk for mosquito bites to protect you and your family from West Nile virus,” Satterfield said. “Prevention is key, because there is no specific treatment for this virus if you get it.”

Here are some steps to limit risk for mosquito bites:

Use insect repellent effective against mosquitoes. Look for one that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Dress in long sleeves and pants in areas where mosquitoes are active.

Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Drain and remove sources of standing water on your property.

Talk to a health care provider if you develop a fever with severe headaches or confusion.

By sharing this information with your employees, we can all do our part to enjoy a bite-free, healthy summer.