Colorado experiencing worst West Nile virus outbreak in US
COLORADO, USA (KJCT) - Colorado is experiencing the worst West Nile virus outbreak in the nation. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 21 people have died, 225 people are experiencing neurological symptoms, and 232 people are requiring hospitalization so far in Colorado.
Larimer, Boulder and Weld counties have the highest counts of the virus. Experts say 80% of people who are infected never have symptoms, and only about 1 out of 150 infected people develop serious illness.
There are no vaccines for the virus or treatments for the disease in humans. Experts recommend avoiding contracting the virus in the first place by reducing habitability for mosquitos in your immediate area by draining standing water, putting screens on windows, using bug spray, and wearing long-sleeved shirts.
Insect repellents approved by the EPA for mosquitos have the following active ingredients:
- DEET
- Picardidin, also known as KBR 3023 or icaridin
- IR3535
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Para-menthane-diol
- 2-undecanone
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