What's going around seasonal trends - Summer and Fall
Discover important summer and fall health topics
Your local epidemiology team cares about your health. They study the causes of illness and injury in Mesa County.
Discover what seasonal illnesses are going around – and how to prevent them.
For the most current data, visit our Community Health Data webpage.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread to humans by mosquito bites and is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.
Many people who get WNV will never even know that they had it. However, others will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Some people develop severe disease causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. People who develop severe disease may die or have permanent disability.
Prevention tips
There is no treatment for West Nile virus, so prevention is key. This is the time of year when mosquito activity typically peaks, so it’s important for residents to take precautions.
Increased outdoor activity can lead to increased exposure to mosquito bites so take some easy steps to protect yourself:
- Use an EPA-approved 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 when in areas where mosquitoes are active.
- Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn; this is when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain and remove sources of standing water on your property.
Local trends
2022 was a severe year for West Nile Virus in Colorado.
- Twenty people died statewide.
- Mesa county had four cases of WNV.
- Counties surrounding Mesa county had the highest rates of West Nile Virus in the state.
We expect there to be more mosquitos locally this year because of the wet winter. This could cause increased risk of contracting WNV.
Learn more about West Nile Virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Animal bites
Animal bites from mammals have the potential to transmit rabies. Rabies is fatal once symptoms develop, so people who are bitten by some wild animals should receive a post-exposure vaccine.
Prevention tips
Do not touch wild animals. Call the appropriate wildlife agency if you are having problems with wild animals near your home.
Local trends
Over the past couple of years, animal bites have been steadily increasing in Mesa County. Most bites involve cats or dogs, but we also get reports of people bitten by bats, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife!
Learn more about rabies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Learn about how we report health information
Mesa County Public Health is responsible for keeping our community informed of relevant and timely health data and accurate prevention behaviors.
Read more about our process in our latest report.
Are you a medical provider?
Our expert epidemiology team is here to support you.
Call the Disease Reporting and Consultation Line 970-254-4120.
Disease and illness in the news
First Hospitalizations Due to West Nile Virus
August 31, 2023
Mesa County Public Health Offers Guidance in Light of Cyclospora Outbreak
June 22, 2023
What's going around seasonal trends - Summer and Fall
Community Services Building (Public Health)
510 29 1/2 RoadGrand Junction, CO 81504