By Fort Carson Public Health

The Fort Carson Public Health Team is warning the community to take steps to prevent being infected with West Nile Virus.

Public Health says the best defense against contracting West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos, however, if you think you or a family member have West Nile virus, consult a health care provider immediately.

In 2023, Colorado experienced the worst West Nile virus outbreak in the U.S. and one of the deadliest years for West Nile since the mosquito-borne illness arrived in the U.S. back in 1999. Throughout 2023, 50 people who contracted West Nile virus died in Colorado, and scores of others needed to be hospitalized. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September.

WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?

• West Nile is a virus most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes.

• People can’t give West Nile virus to other people. The risk to humans occurs primarily from June through early September when mosquitoes are active.

HOW DO PEOPLE GET INFECTED WITH WEST NILE VIRUS?

• Most people get West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other birds. In a small number of cases, West Nile virus has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy or at the time of birth.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR INFECTION WITH WEST NILE VIRUS?

• Anyone living in an area where West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes can get infected. Colorado has had cases of West Nile virus every year since 2002. The risk of infection is highest for people who work outside or participate in outdoor activities, because of greater exposure to mosquitoes.

• People of any age can get West Nile virus. However, people over age 50 are at the greatest risk for severe disease.

• People with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants are also at greater risk for serious illness.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?

• Most people infected with mosquito-borne viruses don’t get sick. For people who do, the time between the mosquito bite and the start of symptoms can be from 2 to 14 days. In rare cases, the virus can cause a serious brain infection such as meningitis or encephalitis.

• These infections begin suddenly with high fever and headache and may progress to stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, and coma. Severe infections can result in permanent brain damage or death. Most deaths occur in persons over 50 years of age.

• There is no treatment for the virus other than supportive care, and there is no vaccine to prevent it. If you think you or a family member is sick with West Nile virus, consult a health care provider.

HOW CAN PEOPLE PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM GETTING WEST NILE VIRUS?

• The most effective way to prevent West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites.

To protect yourself:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide the best protection. Follow label instructions. Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.

• Wear protective clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks) in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with insect repellent for extra protection.

To mosquito-proof your home:

• Drain standing water around your house often. Empty water from tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys and puddles.

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.