West Nile Virus Detected in Delta County Mosquitoes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Nile Virus Detected in Delta County Mosquitoes
DELTA, Colo. – July 28, 2026 – Delta County Public Health has received confirmation from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) that mosquito pools collected in Delta County have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The North Fork Mosquito Control District has also reported that they have identified mosquito pools positive for West Nile Virus, indicating the virus is circulating in multiple areas of Delta County.
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.
“The detection of West Nile Virus in mosquito surveillance reminds us that prevention is the best way to protect ourselves,” said Sam Traubel, Environmental Health Director for Delta County Public Health. “Simple actions like draining standing water, using insect repellent, dressing appropriately outdoors, and avoiding mosquito activity during dusk and dawn can greatly reduce your risk of being bitten.”
Delta County Public Health works closely with the Delta County Mosquito Control District to conduct mosquito surveillance in Delta. Additionally, Mosquito traps are placed in various locations across the county to monitor for West Nile Virus and provide an early warning of virus activity.
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 ornamental 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.
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.
Those experiencing symptoms after mosquito bites 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://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/west-nile-virus/west-nile-virus-data
Media Contact
Delta County Public Health
Shirley Tatto, Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator
970-874-2189
Delta County Public Health
255 W 6th Street - Delta, CO 81416
970.874.2165
Canyons – Rivers – Mountains
DeltaCountyCO.gov
Delta County Public Health | 255 W 6th St. | Delta, CO 81416 US
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