With the recent flooding and warmer temperatures across northeast Colorado, the risk of West Nile may increase and health officials are warning residents to take personal precautions early.
"Anytime there is an increase in moisture during the spring and summer months, the risk of seeing more mosquitoes, and subsequently West Nile virus transmission, is a possibility," said Dr. Tony Cappello, public health director for the Northeast Colorado Health Department.
Colorado typically sees the most transmission of West Nile virus in August and September, but current receding flood waters across the state, with a good chance of additional spring rainfall, have the potential of leaving behind an increase in standing water where mosquitoes breed. Couple that with the fact that due to funding cuts at the state level there will be no mosquito surveillance testing in northeast Colorado this year unless it is contracted privately by municipalities, the importance of personal protective measures is more important than ever.
"At this point we just assume the virus is circulating because history has shown us that, whether we're testing for it or not, West Nile virus is firmly established in Colorado," said Dr. Cappello. "Even though we know it's here, it's impossible to predict how much illness we will see from West Nile virus year to year because illness transmission ultimately lies in the precautions residents take to protect themselves from the disease."
Dr. Cappello stressed that community members can play a big part in helping to decrease their risk of West Nile virus by practicing the following tips:
•Drain standing water around the house weekly since that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Be sure to empty old tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels and toys where puddles can occur.
•Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
•DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions carefully.
•Dress in light-weight long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
For more information about West Nile virus visit fightthebitecolorado.com.
The weather forecast for this weekend includes both moisture and warm temperatures. The National Weather Service is calling for a 60 percent chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon, with highs today near 84. Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high around 82. Monday will bring another chance for some showers and storms, with a high near 88. The rest of the week will be mostly sunny, with highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Journal-Advocate managing editor Sara Waite contributed to this article.