West Nile virus 2004
A Mild Year in Boulder County
The West Nile virus (WNV) season was considerably milder in Boulder
County this year than it was in 2003. The cooler weather helped to
keep the mosquito count low, which attributed to decreased incidence
of disease.
Despite significant testing of mosquito pools in Boulder County, only
eight pools contained mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile
virus during 2004, and no horses or birds in Boulder County tested
positive for WNV.
Overall, 14 Boulder County residents tested positive for WNV in 2004,
compared to 421 in 2003. Of the 14 positive cases, only 1 person had a
severe case requiring hospitalization. There were no human deaths from
West Nile virus in Boulder County during 2004, unlike last year, when
seven 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 2005 West Nile virus season is difficult to predict. The virus
will be present in Colorado into the future, but the severity of the
virus will change 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.
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