As we navigate through the summer and early fall, La Plata County Public Health Department is reminding residents to prevent animal-borne diseases that can have serious health implications. These diseases include West Nile virus, hantavirus, rabies, plague and tularemia. Residents can significantly lower their risk of contracting these diseases by following suggested prevention strategies.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can lead to serious illness. The first human West Nile virus case of 2024 was reported in La Plata County in mid-July. To prevent West Nile virus, use mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing. Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when going outdoors. Follow the instructions on the label for safe and effective use. Also, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminating standing water can also be a good preventive measure. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so remove standing water in flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes and birdbaths. Lastly, ensure windows and doors have tightfitting screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Installing screens will reduce your risk of West Nile virus.
Hantavirus is a serious respiratory disease transmitted by rodents. To prevent hantavirus, be sure to close gaps and holes where rodents can enter your home, such as around pipes, vents and under doors. If you need to clean areas with rodent droppings or urine, wear gloves and a mask. Use a disinfectant to wet the area before cleaning to prevent dust from becoming airborne. Also, open windows and doors to air out spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning them if they have been closed off for a while.
Every year, the health department is notified of animals that are suspected of having rabies. Rabies is fatal and primarily transmitted through the bites of infected animals. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect pets from rabies. Ensure your dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations. Additionally, avoid wild animals. Rabies can be transmitted by various wild animals, including bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Do not approach or feed wild animals and teach children to do the same. Lastly, report stray animals. Notify animal control about stray or unfamiliar animals in your area, as they might not be vaccinated against rabies.
Plague has been identified in Southwest Colorado in fleas, rodents and humans over the past several years. Plague is a bacterial disease transmitted primarily by fleas. To prevent plague, remove potential rodent nesting areas around your home, such as piles of brush, rock, firewood and other debris. Also, use flea control products on pets to prevent them from bringing fleas into your home. You can also prevent exposure to fleas by wearing protective clothing. When handling potentially infected animals, wear gloves and other protective clothing to avoid direct contact. Lastly, use insect repellents. Apply insect repellents containing DEET to prevent flea bites when spending time outdoors.
Tularemia is a bacterial disease that can be spread through insect bites, direct contact with infected animals, or contaminated food and water. To prevent tularemia, avoid tick bites by using tick repellents and wear long pants, long sleeves and long socks to keep ticks and deer flies off your skin. Also, handle sick or dead animals safely by wearing gloves. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling animals. Ensure all meat, especially wild game, is cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria. Lastly, don’t drink contaminated water. Avoid drinking untreated water from natural sources such as rivers and lakes.
By following these prevention measures, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community from these serious diseases. Stay safe and healthy!
Samie Stephens is the epidemiologist at the La Plata County Public Health Department. Reach her at sstephens@lpcgov.org.
