Boulder County Public Health recently confirmed that mosquitoes in Erie, Louisville and Longmont, Colorado, have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), providing a reminder for the campus community to take precautions when outdoors this time of year.
High temperatures and recent wet weather have made conditions particularly favorable for mosquitoes to breed, according to county officials.
Humans contract WNV when bitten by an infected mosquito. WNV infections are generally mild but can, in more serious cases, cause encephalitis, meningitis, loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and death. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. While there is no cure or vaccination for the virus, symptoms can be treated to help aid recovery.
To avoid infection, Boulder County Health officials urge the community to follow the four D’s:
- Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternatives.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid the outdoors from dusk until dawn.
- Drain standing water.
CU Boulder’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) team has conducted a mosquito monitoring program since 2003. The program employs three student workers per season, under guidance from the IPM manager, to maintain 25 trap sites around the Main, East and South campuses, monitoring mosquito populations and determining treatment priorities.
Mosquitoes are usually most prevalent from late April until mid-October. More information about WNV, mosquitoes in Boulder County and preventive measures can be found on the , as well as the websites of the and the .
“It’s peak season for mosquito activity, and it’s important that we all be vigilant and take precautions when enjoying the outdoors this time of year,” said CU Boulder Assistant Director for Environmental Operations Rob Lenahan.
Anyone with questions about campus IPM or mosquito-monitoring practices may contact IPM Manager Troy Muller at 303-735-7850 or troy.muller@colorado.edu, or Rob Lenahan at 303-735-3627 or robert.lenahan@colorado.edu.
