Public Health More positive pools for West Nile Virus detected in Delta County

More positive pools for West Nile Virus detected in Delta County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More positive pools for West Nile Virus detected in Delta County

Delta, Colo. – August 7, 2026 – Delta County Public Health has received confirmation from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) that additional mosquito pools collected in the Delta area have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

As of August 5, 2026, no human cases have been found in Delta County. There are currently four cases reported in Colorado this 2026 season. CDPHE West Nile Virus data

Mosquito surveillance is an important public health tool that helps track West Nile virus activity throughout the season. By testing mosquito pools, Delta County Public Health can identify where the virus is circulating, provide timely information to the community, and encourage protective measures before more people become infected.

To help residents reduce mosquito breeding around their homes, free mosquito larvicide dunks are available at no cost at Delta County Public Health, 255 W. 6th Street, Delta. Larvicide dunks can be used in standing water that cannot be drained, such as ponds, rain barrels, livestock water troughs, and irrigation ditches. They target mosquito larvae before they become biting adults and are safe for dogs, cats, wildlife, and fish when used as directed.

Follow the Four D’s to Help Prevent West Nile Virus

DRAIN standing water around your home every week. Empty buckets, flowerpot saucers, birdbaths, old tires, clogged gutters, and any other containers that collect water.

DRESS in long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored clothing when spending time outdoors.

DEFEND yourself by applying an EPA-registered insect repellent and following the product label directions.

DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active. Limit outdoor activities during these times whenever possible.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people who become infected experience no symptoms, some can develop serious illness, making mosquito bite prevention especially important during the summer months.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus will not become seriously ill. However, symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause serious neurologic illness. Adults age 50 and older, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for severe disease. More About West Nile from the CDC

Those experiencing symptoms after a mosquito bite should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito prevention, or to pick up free mosquito larvicide dunks, contact Delta County Public Health at 970-874-2165 or visit the department’s website.

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/communicable/animal-related-diseases/west-nile-virus

https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/about/index.html#cdc_disease_basics_treatment-treatment

https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/west-nile-virus/west-nile-virus-data