As warmer weather returns, Montrose County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions against West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness that can lead to serious complications such as fatal encephalitis in humans and animals. While most infected individuals experience mild symptoms or none at all, the virus can cause severe illness in older adults, horses and certain birds.

Prevention tips include:

• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed
• Use EPA-approved repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
• Maintain window screens and keep yards clear of debris
• Limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours
• Protect pets with vet-approved mosquito preventatives

Lisa Gallegos
Communicable Disease Specialist
Montrose County Public Health
1845 S. Townsend Ave., West Wing
Montrose, CO 81401

Main Phone: 970-252-5011
Direct Phone: 970-964-2454

Email: [email protected]