The Mesa County Health Department confirms mosquitoes in Mesa County have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The mosquitoes were from Fruita, Loma, and Mack, and tested by the Grand River Mosquito Control District.

West Nile symptoms usually show up about a week after an infected bite.

Symptoms include possible headache, backache, fever, rash on the chest and back, disorientation, coma, even death.

The Mesa County Health Department is urging residents to take proper precautions:
-Use bug sprays (either containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or Picaridin)
-Remove standing water around your home (or have it treated with a mosquito larvicide)
-Avoid spending time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (at dawn and the first two hours after sunset)
-When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens

A total of 37 cases have been reported in the state, mostly in Larimer, Weld and Boulder counties.