There is no cure, so it’s important not to get bitten by mosquitoes
Weld County reported an 80-year-old death from the West Nile virus. There have been six confirmed cases of West Nile infection in Colorado this season, with 135 cases reported in 16 counties in the state.
West Nile virus is transmitted to birds by the bite of an infected mosquito, which in turn bites an infected bird. Hawks, owls, and crows can become infected after eating a dead bird that is already infected with the West Nile virus, and birds that eat infected mosquitoes can also become infected.
Humans can be infected by the bite of a West Nile virus infected mosquito or through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
70-80% of people infected with West Nile virus are asymptomatic, but sudden onset symptoms of fever, headache, and muscle pain occur after an incubation period of 2 days to 2 weeks. It is accompanied by digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite and vomiting, and eye pain may also be felt. About 50% of all patients develop a rash on their back and chest, but it can go away after about a week.
Serious infections are rare, but people over the age of 50 and the elderly are at a very high risk for serious infections, so be especially careful.
The CDC says cases are reported in most continental US states and it’s important not to get bitten by mosquitoes as it occurs in the summer and fall.
In areas where mosquitoes are common, use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to avoid mosquito bites, he said.
There is currently no vaccine or cure, so avoiding mosquito bites is key.
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