DENVER (AP) – Colorado health officials say 51 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported to the state health department as of last Friday, including two deaths in Montrose County.

That’s more than the seven cases reported in 2011 but still far below the peak of 2,847 cases reported in 2003.

Still, the health department was warning residents of the disease Tuesday because mosquitoes that carry the disease are still circulating.

State public health veterinarian Elisabeth Lawaczeck is advising people to wear insect repellent, drain standing water and use other methods to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors, such as limiting outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active or wearing long sleeves and pants.

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