Ninth case of West Nile virus
Confirmed in Boulder County
Increase in cases indicates that
residents may be letting down their guard; Boulder County Public
Health urges prevention
Boulder, Colo. (Aug. 11, 2004) – A ninth case of West Nile Virus has
been confirmed in Boulder County, the third new case in less than a
week.
This most recent case, a 56-year-old male, is the third confirmed case
in the past week, raising concerns for public health officials that
people may be letting their guard down.
“This past week has fully demonstrated that the risk of contracting
WNV still exists,” said Boulder County Public Health (BCPH)
Epidemiologist Heath Harmon. “Mosquitoes are still present, and as
long as they are, there is still a risk of being infected.”
Generally, the mosquito season is from late April until mid-October,
with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.
Mosquito activity has increased in recent weeks, raising the potential
threat even more. The higher level of precipitation, followed by dry,
hot temperatures, creates a mosquito-friendly environment.
Additionally, county officials note a sharp rise in the presence of
Culex mosquitoes – the species
known to carry and transmit the West Nile virus (WNV).
BCPH officials reiterate protection is the only way to prevent the
possibility of contracting the virus. “It only takes one bite from an
infected mosquito to contract the illness and possibly become severely
ill,” said Chana Goussetis, BCPH Health Educator.
“Practicing the 4 Ds will help everyone protect themselves until the
threat of West Nile virus is over for the year.” Those are:
- DEET – use DEET enhanced insect repellant.
- Dress – dress in long sleeves and pants.
- Dusk to Dawn – avoid the outdoors from dusk until dawn.
- Drain – drain standing water outside your home.
“It is important that we all remain diligent in prevention efforts,”
stated Chuck Stout, BCPH Executive Director.
Symptoms of WNV typically begin between 3 and 14 days after being
bitten. One out of five people infected will suffer an illness that
includes fever, head and body aches, skin rashes, swollen lymph
glands, and fatigue that can greatly reduce one’s ability to perform
normal daily activities. One out of one hundred and fifty people
infected may suffer from the more severe complications of encephalitis
and meningitis.
As of August 9, 105 human cases of WNV have been reported in 17
Colorado counties. There has been one reported death in Colorado due
to the virus.
For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in
Boulder County, or steps to take to protect yourself and loved ones:
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