There is no cure, so it is important not to get bitten by mosquitoes
Weld County reported an 80-year-old death from 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 then in turn bites an infected bird. Hawks, owls and crows can become infected following eating a dead bird that has already been infected with 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 those infected with West Nile virus are asymptomatic, but following an incubation period of 2 days to 2 weeks, sudden onset symptoms of fever, headache, and muscle pain occur. 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 skin rash on the back and chest, but it may disappear following regarding a week.
Severe infections are rare, but people over 50 years of age and the elderly are at a very high risk of serious infections, so pay special attention.
The CDC says cases are being reported in most states in the continental United States, and it is important not to be 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 paramount.
