Mesa County Tests For West Nile

Mesa County begins testing for West Nile.

Yup, it's that time of the year. I itch already.

KKCO News reports that the Mesa County Department has officially begun testing several local areas for possible West Nile virus. One, in particular, is Lincoln Park in Grand Junction.

Last year, in Colorado, there were 101 reported cases of West Nile. Officials are hoping, and so am I, that these tests will help bring that number down significantly.

Contrary to popular belief, the Mesa County Health Department is not simply catching mosquitoes. They are actually searching for a certain type known as Culex. That breed is more likely to spread West Nile.

Here is a detailed article from Colorado State University about protecting yourself, your family, pets and livestock from West Nile.

Main points are:

• Wear insect repellent with DEET
• Eliminate standing water around your home
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, etc. especially in evening hours