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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Chana Goussetis
Health Educator, Boulder County Public Health
303-413-7562
Rise in mosquito population mirrors 2003 trends
Boulder County Public Health continues Colorado’s most comprehensive and proactive
mosquito control and public education programs.
July 15, 2004, Boulder, Colo. - Mosquito activity in Boulder County traps has increased by almost threefold since the first week of July
Due in part to wet weather in June, followed by the recent high temperatures, most county traps report a sharp increase in both the total number of mosquitoes, as well as a significant increase in the presence of Culex mosquitoes – the species known to carry and transmit the West Nile virus (WNV).
“We are now seeing a similar rise in the mosquito populations that were observed last year in late June,” said Heath Harmon, Boulder County Public Health’s (BCPH) Epidemiologist.
“This current rise is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to reduce exposures to mosquitoes,” Harmon continued. “Even though we have not yet seen significant West Nile activity in the mosquitoes we’ve collected, the fact that there have been four human cases throughout the county indicates that there is still risk for infection.”
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.
“It is more important than ever for residents to take precautions to protect themselves,” said Chana Goussetis, BCPH’s Health Educator. “With such an increase in the numbers of mosquitoes now present throughout the county, the likelihood of getting bit is even greater. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to contract the illness, and possibly become severely ill.”
BCPH will be meeting with representatives from the county’s municipalities in the coming week to discuss current trends and the next steps to help protect the public’s health.
“Boulder County Public Health has worked closely with city leaders to develop a plan for responding to this kind of situation,” said BCPH’s Director of Clinical Services, Helen Majzler.
The plan involves the consideration of several factors to determine the risk of WNV infection to humans and subsequent preventive actions, including spraying for mosquitoes. These factors include an increase in the numbers of Culex mosquitoes, an increase in the rate of infection in mosquitoes, the number of infected birds and horses and, the occurrence of human cases.
Only after these factors have been evaluated is spraying considered. Chemical application for control of adult mosquitoes makes up only six percent of the mosquito control program, and is considered for target areas of high mosquito activity. Ninety-four percent of control activities include biological and physical control of mosquito breeding and harboring areas.
People concerned about large numbers of mosquitoes around their home can also take personal steps to reduce these numbers. Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis sub. Israeliensis) is a naturally occurring bacteria that is packaged in higher concentrations called mosquito dunks, mosquito donuts, or bti briquettes and can be added to standing water. These products work to kill larvae in standing water and are available at most hardware stores.
So far this year, there have been four confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Boulder County. All of these patients had symptoms that included fever, head and body aches and fatigue. None were hospitalized for their illness, and all are currently recovering.
For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in Boulder County, or steps to take to protect yourself and loved ones, visit the BCPH Web site at
www.bouldercountymosquito.net, or call their hotline at 303-441-1460.
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