Covenant News

Covenant Pastor Recuperating from West Nile Virus

HAXTUN, CO (October 22, 2003) - Covenant pastor Verle Bend of the Fairfield Evangelical Covenant Church in Haxtun is recuperating from the West Nile Virus. Bend, who serves in Northeast Colorado, had contracted West Nile Virus during the summer, said a family friend who is a nurse. He was hospitalized for three days, and is now doing ministry to a limited extent. He attended a recent Midwest Conference pastor's retreat in Aurora, Nebraska.

West Nile Virus is the fastest-moving and most deadly mosquito-borne virus in the United States, according to the Northeast Colorado Health Department. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and those most at risk are over 50 years of age. As of October 3, 188 cases of West Nile Virus were reported in Northeast Colorado. Two others from Haxtun had contracted the virus this summer.

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