No Positives in Boulder County
June 4th - Boulder County began active mosquito surveillance and testing of dead
birds on May 1. To date, no mosquitoes, birds, or horses in Boulder
County have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Statewide, one
horse in Kit Carson County has tested positive for the virus.
So far this year, 86 dead corvids (i.e. crows, jays, magpies, and
ravens) and 47 other WNV-positive dead birds have been reported in 15
states across the country, and 7 WNV infections have been reported in
horses from 3 states (Alabama, Arizona, and Texas). As of June 1, two
human cases have been reported - one from Arizona and one from New
Mexico. In both cases, symptoms of illness began between May 9-13, 2004.
Because WNV can cause such a debilitating illness in 20% of those
infected and no treatment is currently available, it is important to
remember the "4 Ds" to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes:
Use DEET or
alternative.
DRESS in long
sleeves and pants.
Avoid DUSK until DAWN.
DRAIN standing
water.
For information about West Nile Virus not found on this web site, or
to find out more about how you can help protect yourself and your
community, please contact Boulder County Public Health's WNV Outreach
Intern at kholgers@bouldercounty.org.
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