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1 person, 2 horses test positive for West Nile virus in La Plata County

Human infected with virus Sept. 1 has recovered
These mosquitoes were trapped in 2015 by the Animas Mosquito District. This year, 18 of 267 mosquitoes from within Durango city limits tested positive for the West Nile virus.

One person and two horses in La Plata County have tested positive for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, the

Claire Ninde, a spokeswoman for the health department, said a confirmed case of a human infected with West Nile virus occurred Sept. 1. She did not disclose the exact location of the infection, but said the individual recovered.

In a Wednesday news release, the state veterinarian’s office said throughout Colorado there also was one horse case in Adams County, four in Larimer County, one in Mesa County, one in Pueblo County and three in Weld County.

The state veterinarian’s office did not respond to calls for comment Thursday. It is unclear of exact locations of confirmed cases in La Plata County, and the condition of the affected animals.

However, in the release, the office encouraged vaccinations for horses, and suggested that owners reduce mosquito breeding grounds, such as stagnant water, and to keep animals inside during prime feeding times in the early morning and evening.

“Strict insect control is an important factor to inhibit the transmission of West Nile virus,” state veterinarian Keith Roehr said in a prepared statement.

“I encourage livestock owners to keep an eye out for standing water for mosquito populations.”

An infected horse may experience stumbling, lack of coordination, muscle tremors, weakness of limbs or partial paralysis.

On Aug. 9, the health department reported 18 mosquitoes in Durango city limits tested positive for the virus out of 267 mosquitoes submitted to a lab. No further surveillance has occurred, Ninde said.

Aug 9, 2016
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile in Durango


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