Denver City Wire

City and County of Denver issued the following announcement on Aug. 28.

Denver Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) has confirmed that a Denver resident has contracted West Nile virus. The resident reported being in the mountains about three days before testing positive. But state health experts say the individual could have been infected in metro Denver or anywhere in Colorado. She did have a fever, upset stomach and aches and pains, but did not require hospitalization and her health is improving. This is the third person in Colorado to test positive for the virus in 2020.

Also, Denver recorded its first positive result for the virus from a mosquito-trap last week. The city says getting a positive result is normal for this time of year and that 2020 has been a light year for mosquitos likely because of a lack of rain. This August has been one of the driest on record for Colorado.

Symptoms of West Nile virus typically include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, but can also occasionally include skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms generally appear three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. While most infections are mild, more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining), loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and even death.

While everyone is at risk of being infected with West Nile virus, those over 50 years old, or with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk of developing serious illness. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their doctor. There is no treatment, cure, or human vaccination for the virus, but medical professionals can treat symptoms to help patients feel better and possibly recover more quickly.

In Colorado, most West Nile virus cases are diagnosed in August and September, but cases can be identified as early as May and as late as December. Generally, the mosquito season extends from late-April until mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.

"This time of year is when we see the most people become ill from the disease,” said Gregg Thomas, Director of the Environmental Quality Division for DDPHE. “We all need to continue to be diligent about protecting ourselves from mosquito bites.”

DDPHE officials urge residents to remember the 4Ds to avoid getting infected with the virus:

1. Use insect repellent with DEET.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants when in areas with higher mosquito populations, like the mountains or garden.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.

Original source can be found here.