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WEST NILE VIRUS & You It has been hard to miss the stories about West Nile virus this summer. But if you think that the summer is over and you don't have to worry anymore,you would be wrong. West Nile virus risk is highest in August and September. Please be aware that the possibility still exists that West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans during this time. ---,' In early August, the Boulder County Health Department informed City staff that parts of 'ill Louisville had reached epidemic levels of West Nile virus. This was determined by the number of - infected adult mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus as well as the appearance of human cases in residents of Louisville. After discussions with the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Boulder County Health Department, the City of Louisville decided to spray identified sections of town in an effort to control the mosquito population. Spraying took place the second week of August. While measures have been taken to manage the mosquito population,it is still in your best interest to take appropriate precautions against mosquitoes. For more information on West Nile virus,please visit www.fightthebitecolorado.com or call the Boulder County Health Department at 303.441.1197. What is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. It is very rare to catch this virus and most infected people will not even get sick or will only experience mild flu-like symptoms. However,West Nile virus can be fatal. Among those with severe illness due to West Nile virus, case-fatality rates range from 3% to 15% and are highest among the elderly.As of early August, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 215 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the state, 28 of those were in Boulder County. Risks and Symptoms: Most people will not become ill after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms generally appear three to fourteen days after exposure. All residents of areas where West Nile virus activity has been confirmed are at risk, but people over 50 seem to be especially vulnerable to severe forms of the disease. In people who become ill, most will have mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally skin rashes or swollen lymph nodes. This virus can cause serious illnesses including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and/or meningitis (swelling of the brain's lining). Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache,neck stiffness, muscle weakness and tremors, disorientation, convulsions, and coma. Severe infections can result in permanent brain damage or,in rare cases, even death. People with these symptoms need to seek medical attention immediately. Mosquito Prevention: •Limit time spent outdoors at dawn or dusk,when mosquitoes are most active. •Wear lightweight,long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. •Spray clothing with insect repellent containing DEET since mosquitoes may bite through clothing. 'Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain up to 35 percent DEET. Use products with 10 percent DEET or less for children. Always read and follow product directions. •Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. •Remove standing water in ponds, ditches,gutters, flower pots,puddles, tires and cans. Check unusual items that might contain water such as wheelbarrows,hubcaps, toys,garden equipment,pool covers and plastic sheeting. Turn these items upside down to prevent them from holding water. 'Check water in birdbaths and wading pools weekly for mosquito larvae. Empty the water if they are present. •Stock ornamental ponds, fountains and livestock water tanks with fish that eat mosquito larvae or treat them with BTI, a natural bacteria that kills larvae. This can be purchased at garden and home stores. •Do not over water lawns and gardens and trim shrubbery and remove garden debris. Fall 2003 I "MEL