Boulder County, Colo. – Five mosquito pools collected on July 7 from multiple traps in Longmont have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the third week in a row that mosquitoes collected from traps in Longmont have tested positive for the virus. Last week, Colorado saw the first human case of the illness in a resident of Delta County.
Mosquito control contractors for the City of Longmont mosquito control program will be spraying today in areas with high mosquito counts. Contractors for Boulder County Public Health will be spraying in the Boulder County Fairgrounds area tomorrow.
“West Nile virus is here, so we must be diligent in protecting ourselves when we’re out enjoying summer activities,” said Marshall Lipps, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist. “It certainly can be inconvenient to apply DEET when you’re out between dusk and dawn, or to wear long sleeves and pants when it’s hot, but these steps can really help to reduce chances of you or a loved one getting the disease.”
Culex mosquitoes increase in number as temperatures rise. Human infection of WNV can occur without symptoms. It can also cause mild to severe illness, including fever, extreme fatigue, head and body aches; lead to chronic disability, including tremors, vision loss, and paralysis; or even result in death.
“Every one of us is at risk for the disease, regardless of where we live in the county or the state, and we should continue to protect ourselves from mosquitoes,” said Lipps.
Boulder County Public Health officials urge residents to remember the 4Ds:
1. Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.
In addition to the case in Colorado, as of July 2, ten other human cases of WNV have been reported in the U.S.: California (1), Mississippi (5), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (1), and Texas (2). Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.
For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in Boulder County, or steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit www.BoulderCountyMosquito.net.
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The City of Lafayette contracts with Colorado Mosquito Control for mosquito control efforts. Please visit www.comosquitocontrol.com for more information.