Unusually High Mosquito Abundance Sparks West Nile Virus Concern in Larimer County
Larimer County residents and visitors are being warned by the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) about the unusually high abundance of mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile virus. In addition, the first confirmed case of West Nile virus this season has been reported in a resident of Larimer County, residing in the southern area of Fort Collins.
The Vector Index (VI), which measures the level of risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an area, is exceptionally high in municipalities throughout Larimer County. A VI above 0.5 predicts human cases of WNV, while a VI above 1.0 is strongly correlated with increased human cases.
Except for Berthoud, the affected municipalities in Larimer County have taken action to spray and reduce the mosquito population, prioritizing the public’s safety. However, over the past three weeks, Berthoud has consistently shown a VI ranging from 1.2 to 3.029. As a result, the Health Department recommends that all individuals, especially those in the Berthoud area, take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites due to the heightened risk of West Nile virus.
Dr. Paul Mayer, Larimer County Medical Director, emphasizes the significant health risk posed by the situation, stating that while some people infected with West Nile virus recover quickly, others experience severe illness with symptoms lasting for months or even years. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in 2022, Colorado reported 206 cases of West Nile virus in humans, resulting in 20 deaths. Individuals aged 60 and older or those with certain medical conditions face a higher risk of serious illness.
West Nile disease is spread by infected Culex mosquitoes and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness and aches, rash, and headaches. These symptoms typically appear 3-14 days after infection, creating a lag time between when the VI is high and when human cases may occur.
Tom Gonzales, Public Health Director, highlights the ongoing risk of West Nile virus, particularly in the Berthoud area. He urges residents and visitors to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment actively monitors the prevalence of West Nile virus in the community through partnerships with municipalities, Vector Disease Control International, and Colorado State University. This collaborative effort aims to assess and manage the risk to Larimer County residents.
To prevent West Nile virus, the Health Department advises all Larimer County residents and visitors to diligently practice the 4 D’s:
1. Dress in long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin.
2. Use DEET or other CDC-approved insect repellents on exposed skin and clothing.
3. Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity times, typically dawn and dusk.
4. Drain standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
For more tips on preventing West Nile virus, residents and visitors can visit the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment’s website at www.larimer.gov/westnile.
The heightened risk of West Nile virus in Larimer County calls for increased vigilance from the community. By following the recommended precautions and staying informed about the latest updates, individuals can protect themselves and minimize the spread of this potentially serious disease.
