Officials at San Juan Basin Public Health are asking Southwest Colorado residents to increase their diligence in preventing West Nile virus following an early-season spike in cases.
There have been 11 suspected or confirmed West Nile virus cases in the SJBPH district (Archuleta and La Plata Counties) since the season began in July. Of those cases, eight people have landed in the hospital and one has died.
Case counts have not been this high since 2004, when La Plata County clocked a record 21 cases. Statewide, case numbers are also higher than any year in the last decade, and Colorado is leading the nation for West Nile cases, said SJBPHE Director of Clinic and Communicable Disease Rosalind Penney.
The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, which become carriers of the virus after feeding on infected birds.
“We have a lot of concerns that people are not following or may not be understanding the importance of the protective measures,” Penney said.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so residents are encouraged to empty any potential breeding habitat on their property. Bug repellent, which can be applied to clothing for increased protection, is a useful defense.
“We always hope that the cooler weather will make them go away, but it doesn't make them die – it’s just their rate of proliferation,” Penney said. “So even as our nights are getting cool, it doesn't mean that the mosquitoes are going away.”
The exceptionally wet winter meant an increase in standing water, Penney said. But dry years can also prompt an influx in cases, as fewer water sources mean that birds, which carry the virus, and mosquitoes, which spread it, are more likely to interact.
About 80% of people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms.
The 20% of patients who do experience symptoms often develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Case counts typically peak in September, and public health officials are bracing for numbers to continue to increase. Anyone who suspects they may have contracted West Nile should see their primary care provider for further evaluation, Penney said.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
