Twenty-one people in more than a dozen counties have now become sick with West Nile this season, according to the state health department.
No one has died from the virus in Colorado this year, but about half have contracted the more severe form of the illness where they’ve had swelling in the brain.
Jennifer House, the state public health veterinarian, says her best advice for people worried about contracting the virus is to avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn.
“The particular mosquito vector that carries the West Nile virus is most active at dusk and dawn so we do recommend that you limit your outside activities during those high risk times," she said. Applying mosquito repellant and wearing long sleeves and pants are also recommended.
Public health officials estimate about a fifth of people infected with West Nile will develop symptoms, like fever, headache, body aches and fatigue.
