Larimer County Begins Spraying For West Nile-Carrying Mosquitoes
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - On Friday evening between sunset and midnight, Larimer County will spray a high-risk area of southeastern Fort Collins to reduce West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes.
The county will also spray Monday. The Department of Health and Environment will conduct the spraying both in the city and in unincorporated Larimer County.
The spraying comes as the first case of West Nile in Larimer County was confirmed this week. The county said on Friday a Loveland man contracted the virus but wasn't hospitalized and has recovered.
He began showing symptoms early this month and was likely infected in July. The health department said cases generally show up early in the summer -- as early as June and most in July -- but the first virus-carrying mosquitoes weren't detected until the week of July 20.
The virus, spread through the bugs' bites, can cause mild illness, serious disability or, rarely, death. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. In 2003, West Nile sickened more than 500 and killed nine in Larimer County.
The county recommends residents also brace against mosquitoes by:
- Using a repellent effective against West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitoes. It should contain DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (with active ingredient PMD, or p-menthane diol) or IR3535
- Covering exposed skin as much as possible from dusk to dawn, the prime mosquito-biting hours
- Draining standing water from yards and gardens, and emptying bird baths twice a week when the weather is hot
- Adding mosquito-eating minnows or a mosquito "dunk" to ornamental ponds that hold standing water
- Using netting over baby carriers and strollers
- Keeping window screens repaired
More tips are available at http://larimer.org/health/cd/westnile.asp.
