Tribal Radio | By Sarah Flower
According to San Juan Basin Public Health Department, the mosquito-borne disease West Nile virus has been found in a person in La Plata County.
The disease has been found in mosquitos in seven counties throughout Colorado this season, including Arapahoe, Boulder, Delta, Denver, Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld. The Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE) and Environment say mosquito populations are at historic levels in some parts of the state due to high rainfall earlier this year.
CDPHE says while most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. Symptoms for severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, vision loss, and paralysis.
The $120 million investment is a significant step forward in the Biden administration's commitment to help tribes prepare for the impacts of climate change. The funding will help tribes develop plans and implement projects that will make their communities more resilient to the challenges of climate change.
In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths. CDPHE encourages the use of insect repellents containing DEET when you go outdoors.
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