Pool in Longmont tests positive for West Nile Virus

A release from Boulder County Public Health has confirmed that mosquitoes in a mosquito pool in Longmont have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The positive pool came from a trap located at the Shores-Concord Way in northwest Longmont. Positive mosquito pools have also been confirmed in Larimer County this year.

“Unfortunately, wet weather followed by high temperatures creates an ideal environment for mosquitos to breed,” said Lane Drager, Boulder County Public Health Consumer Protection program coordinator. “Now is the time to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from West Nile virus.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infections are mild, the more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s lining), loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and death.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, and occasionally can also include skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Generally, symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their health care providers.

There is no treatment, cure, or human vaccination for the virus. Health care providers can only treat the symptoms to help patients feel better and possibly recover more quickly.

Boulder County Public Health officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. Keep safe this summer, and remember the 4Ds:

• Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.

• DRESS in long sleeves and pants.

• Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.

• DRAIN standing water outside your home.

Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first freeze in the fall.

As of July 13, there have been three human case of West Nile virus reported in Colorado in Bent County, Douglas County, and Larimer County. In 2015, there were 11 cases of the disease in Boulder County, 101 cases in Colorado, and 2,060 nationally.

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 http://www.BoulderCountyMosquito.net or call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911.