Concerns for West Nile Virus Highest Since 2003
Residents Urged to Take Precautions
July 27, 2006, Boulder, CO — Seven mosquito
pools collected on Sunday night have tested positive for West Nile
virus (WNV), raising the total to eleven positive samples this summer.
This is the highest number of positive mosquito pools identified since
2003, when 420 residents of Boulder County were reported with WNV
infection.
Officials from Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) are concerned that
the recent rains, hot temperatures, and increasing number of positive
mosquito pools could pose a potential risk for West Nile virus
infection in people for the remainder of the summer.
“The recent rains in Boulder County have created breeding grounds for
mosquitoes and have contributed to the increased activity by the culex
mosquitoes (type of mosquito that can carry WNV),” said Joe
Malinowski, coordinator for the BCPH Vector Control Program. “We can
typically expect to see an increase in West Nile virus activity in
late summer, but the recent positive test results mean that people
should remain vigilant against being bitten by mosquitoes until the
first deep frost ends the mosquito season.”
Four of the positive mosquito samples from Sunday were collected from
various areas within the city of Longmont. The remaining three
positive pools came from various areas within unincorporated Boulder
County.
The majority of the positive mosquito pools were in Longmont; however,
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 these recent test results
are very concerning because of how rapidly they have occurred - seven
in the past week alone. In addition, the positive mosquito pools are
becoming more widespread throughout the county, confirming 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.”
To help combat the recent increase in activity, Boulder County Public
Health is working with partners in local municipalities to help
promote awareness and remind people of the appropriate precautions. In
addition, spraying for mosquitoes has already been initiated in many
areas in and around Longmont, as well as in unincorporated parts of
the county, where the numbers of mosquitoes have been particularly
high.
As of July 26, ten human cases of WNV have been reported across the
state, with seven reported in July alone. Generally, the mosquito
season extends from late April until mid-October, with the threat
increasing in the late summer months.
BCPH officials reiterate that West Nile virus is still a threat, and
they urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect
themselves, especially those that include enjoying summer activities
outdoors between dusk and dawn.
Keep safe this summer, and 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.
Additional information:
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