The danger of West Nile virus is growing, health officials warn.
Two of the three mosquito testing zones in Weld County exceed the vector index for West Nile virus, officials said Friday. When the index exceeds 0.75, the risk for human infection grows greatly, officials said. In recent tests, one zone, in the Johns town and Milliken area, reached 1.11. Another, in the Greeley and Evans area, is at 1.05.
“With the vector index high in two of the testing zones, we encourage residents to take precautions against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Mark E. Wallace, executive director of the Weld County Health Department.
West Nile virus is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitoes that bite the infected birds. Infected mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans, horses and birds. West Nile virus symptoms may appear from three to 14 days after infection. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and weakness and rash. Symptoms of severe illness include fever, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, vision loss, paralysis and even death.
The Culex mosquito, known to spread West Nile virus, is trapped in three broad testing zones and is tested to determine the risk of disease to humans. Some municipalities in Weld County have mosquito control programs that include spraying. These programs reduce the number of mosquitoes but don’t eliminate all mosquitoes.
According to officials, recommendations to prevent mosquito bites and to reduce breeding areas include the four D’s:
• Apply an effective mosquito repellent — such as Deet — to exposed skin and clothing.
• Drain any standing water that provides breeding places for mosquitoes. Use a mosquito dunk (larvacide) if you have standing water that you cannot drain. Avoid overwatering lawns, because mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of water.
• Avoid being outside during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress in long sleeves, pants and a hat in areas where mosquitoes are active.
