First Mosquito Pool Positive for West Nile Virus
Threat is serious as mosquito season continues
July 12, 2006, Boulder, CO – Late yesterday Boulder County
Public Health (BCPH) confirmed the first mosquito sample positive for
West Nile virus (WNV) this season. The positive mosquito sample was
part of a pooled sample from 6 mosquito traps collected from various
areas within the city of Longmont. Mosquitoes from these 6 traps will
be individually tested during the next trapping cycle.
”The recent rains in Boulder County, and across the state, have
created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and are likely to contribute
to increased activity by the culex mosquitoes (type of mosquito that
can carry WNV)”, said Joe Malinowski, coordinator for the BCPH Vector
Control Program. “We stress that residents should drain any standing
water around their homes to reduce the chance of mosquitoes breeding.”
This is the first positive mosquito sample for Boulder County, and is
it also the first positive for the entire state this season. There
have been two cases of the disease in humans in Colorado so far this
year – neither case was in Boulder County.
Although this positive mosquito pool came from Longmont, public health
officials are urging that precautions be taken throughout the county.
"It’s easy to forget that West Nile virus is still a concern, since we
haven’t seen many cases in recent years,” said BCPH Epidemiologist
Heath Harmon. “But this positive test result just confirms that every
one of us is at risk for the disease, regardless of where we live in
the county, and we should continue to protect ourselves from
mosquitoes.”
As of June 27, 5 human cases of WNV have been reported across the
country - in Colorado, Texas, and Mississippi. Generally, the mosquito
season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end usually
signaled by the first freeze in the fall.
BCPH officials reiterate that West Nile virus is still
a threat, and they urge residents to take necessary precautions to
protect themselves.
Keep safe this summer, and remember the 4Ds:
-
Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent.
-
DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
-
Avoid the outdoors from DUSK to DAWN.
-
DRAIN standing water outside your home.
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