News

Actions

Protect yourself during West Nile Virus season

Posted at 3:59 PM, Jul 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-13 17:59:51-04

As warm weather brings more people outside the Pueblo Health Department wants to remind everyone of one of the major hazards of the summer season: mosquitos.

They’re already active and will only become more and more busy, and hungry as the summer goes on.

The health department says this is normally the time of the year the county sees an increase in West Nile virus cases.  One of the few good things about a dry year is a lower mosquito count.. but just in case, protect yourself by following the four Ds:

  • Protect yourself at dawn and dusk
  • Dress in long sleeves and pants
  • Use Deet spray as a repellent
  • Drain any standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through mosquito bites. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus.  Only about 1 in 5 people who get it actually develop symptoms. 

Check the Centers for Disease control mapping system to find out where they are tracking active cases of West Nile Virus. The system can be especially helpful for people planning late summer trips with the family.

CDC West Nile Virus