The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment is concerned that a surge in mosquito populations could cause late-season West Nile virus infections in the county.
To date, there are nine cases in Weld County. Six of those were confirmed in August, with four more under investigation, according to Gay Morrison, spokeswoman for the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment.
Last week, a high number of Culex Tarsales mosquitoes — a type that can carry the virus — tested positive for the virus.
The county attributes the increase to recent moisture and hot weather.
This year, Weld County has the most infections in the state. It is still way below last year’s numbers for Weld, which saw 98 cases by season’s end. There were no deaths.
In Colorado, 37 cases of West Nile have been confirmed so far this year by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Steve Graff: 303-954-1661 or sgraff@denverpost.com
