Mosquitoes in Rifle test positive for West Nile virus

A sample from a Battlement Mesa site tested positive for the virus in August

PRESS RELEASE
September 5, 2024

Mosquitoes in a Rifle testing area have turned up positive for West Nile virus. This the second site in Garfield County to test positive, after mosquitoes in Battlement Mesa were identified a week earlier.

There have not been any human cases of West Nile reported in Garfield County so far this year. As of August 28, the state has reported 30 human cases of the virus, 12 hospitalizations, and two deaths.

West Nile is transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquito testing and mitigation efforts occur throughout Garfield County in the summer, but additional personal precautions are needed to avoid getting bitten.

Most people show no symptoms of West Nile but in rare cases the virus can cause serious brain infections. There is no vaccine to prevent West Nile virus. The only way to reduce your risk is to take precautions to avoid bites. Garfield County reports weekly trapping and testing results, which are available online.

The 4-Ds of prevention

Drain standing water
A mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs in a puddle the size of a bottle cap.

Dusk and dawn limit activity
This is when mosquitoes are most active.

DEET or other effective repellents
Repellents work by helping to prevent mosquitoes from biting you.

Dress appropriately
Wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

Groups most at risk

Older and immunocompromised people
Most people who are infected experience a minor illness and recover fully. But older people and those with weak immune systems are more likely to suffer a serious illness from the infection.

Pets
Pets occasionally get West Nile virus and very rarely get sick. Horses are more susceptible to serious illness than dogs and cats. A vaccine is available for Equine West Nile virus.