Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2006)
TOPIC: Don't let down your guard — West Nile still a threat
 
While Larimer County has experienced two milder West Nile Virus seasons in a row, there’s no knowing how the season will shape up this year. As a result, health experts are urging residents to take precautions by using mosquito repellent and taking steps to clear property of standing water which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“We really can’t predict how serious of a season we will have,” says Mike Doyle, West Nile virus health educator for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

"So much is dependent on temperatures, the amount of irrigation water from the winter snow pack, and rainfall,” he says. “Mosquito populations change from week to week so we can only predict West Nile risk a few weeks ahead, at best. We also can’t predict how much virus may be present to infect mosquitoes each year.”

In 2003, more than 500 lab-confirmed cases were reported in Larimer County, although it’s likely that more than three times that number became ill, and far more were bitten and infected but didn’t become sick. Nine people died as a result of virus infection. Some continue to live with long-term and disabling effects.

what you can do

• Apply repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. If you prefer a plant-based repellent, consider using one containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, an ingredient also registered with the EPA. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, however, should NOT be used on children younger than 3.
• Drain standing water around the house at least weekly. Change birdbath water weekly. Buckets, clogged rain gutters and rain barrels are very attractive spots for a mosquito to lay its eggs.
• Stay clear of places where mosquitoes are known to gather, (long grasses, wetlands, shrubs and grassy shores), especially at dusk when they are most active.
• Repair all house screens and screen doors now.  A blood-seeking mosquito needs only a fraction of an inch gap to enter your home. 
• Trim bushes up to approximately 2 feet from the ground so you can “see the knees of the trees.” This allows air flow and reduces dampness, making bushes a poor hiding place for mosquitoes.
• Water your lawn fewer times per week so the roots stay moist but the grass blades are dry.
• In your garden, use drip or soaker hoses instead of overhead sprinkling.

Source: Larimer County Department of Health and Environment

Countywide in 2004, there were 17 cases, while in 2005 the number dwindled to 8. Though the chances of becoming seriously ill from the virus are relatively low, the infection can cause severe illness and even death. 

Symptoms of West Nile fever can include malaise, headache, muscle aches, fever, weakness/fatigue, and rash illness. More serious symptoms of neurological complications may include paralysis, mental disorientation, and stiff neck with severe headache. People aged 50 and older tend to experience the most serious effects.