Fort Collins Gets Its First Case Of West Nile Virus A Month Early

I had graduated high school before West Nile virus was found in the United States, but now we have headlines about the virus popping up every summer. And, according to the Coloradoan, Larimer County's first case has already been confirmed (A month earlier than "normal").

The health department says the early appearance of infected mosquitoes in Larimer, Weld and Delta counties means there could be more human infections.

Why can human infections be so scary?

They can cause mild or severe illness and can lead to disability or even death (especially in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems).

What are the best ways to avoid getting West Nile? The U.S. National Library of Medicine says:

The best way to prevent West Nile virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

• Use mosquito-repellant products containing DEET
• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Drain pools of standing water, such as trash bins and plant saucers (mosquitos breed in stagnant water)
• Community spraying for mosquitos may also prevent mosquito breeding.

[Coloradoan]

Picture by dr_relling, Flickr.