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For Immediate Release •
July 17, 2009
Staff Contact: Dan Wolford, Open Space and Trails Manager, 303-774-4691
View the most recent Press Releases
See more West Nile Virus Information
July 17, 2009 - Editors Note: The following news release is a copy of a release published on July 17, 2009 by Boulder County County Public Health.
First Boulder County Mosquito Pool Positive for West Nile Virus
Today Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) confirmed the first positive Boulder County mosquito sample for West Nile virus (WNV) this season. The positive mosquito sample was part of a pooled sample that came from three mosquito traps collected from various areas within the city of Longmont.
"The wet weather we saw over the past few weeks, followed by hot weather, have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, that will likely contribute to increased activity by the culex mosquitoes (the species of mosquito that can carry WNV),” said Marshall Lipps, BCPH Environmental Health Specialist. “We stress that residents should drain any standing water around their homes to reduce the chance of mosquitoes breeding.”
This is the first positive mosquito sample for Boulder County this year. There have also been positive mosquito pools identified in neighboring Larimer County.
Although this positive mosquito pool came from Longmont, public health officials are urging that precautions be taken throughout the county.
"It’s easy to forget that West Nile virus is still a concern since we haven’t seen many cases in recent years,” said BCPH Communicable Disease Division Manager Nisha Alden. “But this positive test result just confirms that every one of us is at risk for the disease, regardless of where we live in the county, and we should continue to protect ourselves from mosquitoes.”
As of July 14, eight human cases of WNV have been reported in Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas. Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.
BCPH officials reiterate that West Nile virus is still a threat, and they urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
Keep safe this summer, and remember the 4Ds:
1. Use DEET- enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.
For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito activity in Boulder County, or steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, visit the BCPH Web site at www.bouldercountymosquito.net, or call the hotline at 303-441-1460.
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