As the summer season winds down, many people's fears about West Nile Virus also decrease. However, the threat of the potentially deadly virus is still present in southern Colorado.

Colorado's worst year with West Nile virus was in 2003, with 2,947 human cases, including 63 deaths, statewide. The situation wasn't nearly as bad in 2007, but health officials still say it's time to "Fight the Bite."

Infected mosquitoes can spread West Nile virus to people via their bites. Already this year, the El Paso County Health Department has started to treat areas where mosquitoes are likely to breed with “larvacide,” which prevents mosquito reproduction.

The health department emphasizes that people wear insect repellent with DEET to prevent infection from a mosquito bite. You should also limit your outdoor activity at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and where long pants and sleeves when possible.

Private property owners can play a role in prevention as well by draining standing water outside (flower pots, wheel barrows and low spots in your yard or property where mosquitoes can likely gather and breed). Any spot you can't drain, you should treat with larvacide — easy-to-use “doughnuts” are available at most garden and home improvement stores.

The health department will be collecting and testing mosquitoes and dead birds beginning June 3rd to monitor for West Nile virus. Health officials will continue testing throughout the summer and will inform the community as the need arises.

No vaccine is available for West Nile Virus. Symptoms usually appear five to fifteen days after the bite of an infected mosquito, and can range from an acute onset of fever, headache, body aches and tiredness, to skin rash, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, and muscle weakness. It is recommended that anyone who exhibits these symptoms should contact their medical provider.

You can find more information about West Nile virus and the health department's role in protecting the community by calling El Paso County Department of Health and Environment at (719) 578-8365.

You can also click on the link below to visit their website.