West Nile Virus-Carrying Mosquitos at their
Highest Numbers Yet
The numbers of Culex mosquito, the type that carries the West Nile
virus (WNV), are at their highest levels so far this year and have been
identified in all areas of the county. This rise, however, has been
expected, and is actually typical for this time of year with the
majority of WNV activity expected to occur now through August when
weather patterns are likely to be hot and dry. Despite the rise in
numbers of Culex mosquitoes present, no animal, mosquito, or human
specimens have tested positive for the virus in Boulder County (as of
July 22, 2005).
The virus has caused at least 1 death nationally and 11 cases in
Colorado so far this summer, including 3 in Weld County and 1 in
Larimer. It is very likely that the virus is present here in Boulder
County, and given that WNV activity is likely to be at its highest
levels through the end of August, residents should not let their guard
down.
It is important to continue with the vigilance that has protected us
so far this season. That is, remember and practice all 4 Ds:
- Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
The DEET alternatives listed below have been shown to have the same
efficacy as a low concentration of DEET, lasting about 90 minutes.
Please follow the manufacturer's instructions provided on the
product label.
- Bite Blocker (key ingredient: soybean oil).
- Picaridin, found in Cutter Advanced. This product has not
yet been approved for children under 3. Picaridin, also known as
KBR 3023, has been available for many years in Asia, Australia,
and Europe. It was recently approved for use in mosquito sprays
by the EPA and has been included in the list of repellent
recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus, found in Repel Lemon Eucalyptus,
OFF! Botanicals & Fight Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent. These
products should not be used on children under 3. Repel is 30%
eucalyptus oil. Pure eucalyptus oil should never be applied to
skin.
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid the outdoors between DUSK AND DAWN.
- DRAIN standing water.
Human surveillance information is posted on the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment website and updated each weekday at
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/wnv/HUMAN_WNV_05.HTML.
National WNV activity information can be found at the Centers for
Disease Control website at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
Local information is available at
www.BoulderCountyMosquito.net. For specific questions not answered
on this website, please call the Colorado Help Line at 1-877-462-2911 or
listen to a recorded message at 303-441-1460.
To report a dead bird or mosquito nuisance in your area, please visit
the Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) contact page at
BoulderCountyMosquito.net/contact.htm
Top of Page
|
