Weld Health warns of high mosquito counts this year as some tests come back positive for West Nile – Greeley Tribune

Weld County health officials offer tips for preventing mosquito bites after finding more mosquitoes trapped this year than previous years, including some that tested positive for West Nile virus.

The number of captured Culex mosquitoes, the species that carries the virus, is above the five-year average, according to a county news release. Of the three zones monitored by the county, two contained mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus, including the Johnstown, Milliken and Platteville areas and the Firestone, Dacono and Fort Lupton areas.

Mosquitoes trapped in the Greeley, Evans, Kersey and LaSalle areas have not tested positive for the virus.

Although there are currently no known human cases of West Nile in the county, health officials expect that to change if mosquito season continues into August, according to the press release.

Mark Lawley, executive director of the Weld County Department of Health and Environment, said in the release that increasingly hot weather and afternoon thunderstorms have created favorable conditions for the mosquitoes. People need to be “vigilant” given the virus’ constant summertime presence in the state, he continued.

West Nile symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, weakness and rash can appear three to 14 days after infection. Most infected people show no symptoms. Those experiencing symptoms are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

There are no drugs or vaccines to prevent infection. Less than 1% of those infected develop a serious, potentially fatal disease.

To prevent bites, officials recommend the “four Ds”:

• Drain standing water weekly. This includes tires, cans, flower pots, clogged gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.
• Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so limit your activities and take extra precautions during these times.
• DEET is an effective repellent. Also look for picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, or para-menthane diol.
• In areas where mosquitoes are active, dress in long sleeves, pants, and a hat.