West Nile Virus 2005
Another Mild Year in Boulder County
October 11, 2005 - Boulder County experienced its second mild
year of West Nile virus (WNV) activity. The wet weather early in the
season helped to increase mosquito populations to levels higher than
in 2004; however, animal, mosquito, and human populations were less
affected by WNV disease in 2005 than in previous years. In the animal
and mosquito populations, only one American Crow tested positive for
WNV during the 2005 season.
Despite significant testing of mosquito pools in Boulder County, none
of the pools contained mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile
virus. Overall, 5 Boulder County residents tested positive for WNV in
2005, compared to 14 human cases in 2004. Of the 5 positive cases this
year, 1 person did develop meningitis, a more severe outcome of the
virus. There were no human deaths from West Nile virus in Boulder
County during 2005 or 2004, unlike in 2003, when 7 county residents
lost their lives to the virus.
After the first frost of the year, mosquitoes switch from blood meals
to feeding on nectar. This generally occurs in October, at which time
individuals are no longer at risk for being infected with the virus.
The 2006 West Nile virus season is difficult to predict.
The virus will be present in Colorado into the future, but the
severity of the virus changes from year to year, depending on
variables such as weather patterns, the mosquito population, the bird
population, as well as immunity in humans.
Personal protection is the best way to reduce the risk of infection
from West Nile virus.
Remember the four D’s:
-
Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent.
-
DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
-
Avoid the outdoors from DUSK to DAWN.
-
DRAIN standing water outside your home.
Previous Years' Mosquito Activity:
Top of Page |
