MCPH Epidemiologist discusses West Nile virus, how to protect yourself

Noah Anderson
·1 min read

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — As temperatures continue to rise, mosquito season is starting on the Western Slope. Will Rausch, an epidemiologist with Mesa County Public Health (MCPH), tells WesternSlopeNow that now is the time to think about preventing mosquito bites to keep you and your family healthy and to avoid contracting West Nile virus.

Rausch discusses what the West Nile virus is, how to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and West Nile symptoms people should be aware of.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 634 cases of West Nile virus were reported statewide last year. In Mesa County, there were 18 cases of the virus. Of the 18 cases, 13 of those people were hospitalized.

If you’d like more information about West Nile virus or how to protect yourself from contracting it, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.