Boulder County confirms West Nile Virus in Boulder and Longmont, CO

Buyers, Community News, Local Resources

Boulder County confirms West Nile virus

In both the cities of Longmont and Boulder, there has been confirmation of West Nile virus carrying mosquitos found.  The report comes from public health officials, following analysis of mosquito pools.

What is West Nile virus?

It is a virus transmitted from birds to mosquitoes to humans/horses via the mosquito’s bite.

Most cases are mild, resulting in extreme fatigue, headaches and body aches, rash and swollen lymph glands.  (If you experience these symptoms you should seek medical  attention though.)

More serious infections (20% of cases) can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and meningitis, inflammation of the brain lining.  This can in turn lead to loss of  vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and death in uncommon cases.

Symptoms appear any time 3-14 days after being bitten.

Now what?

Since Boulder County confirmed West Nile virus, it has contracted Ottertail Environmental to spray certain areas of Erie, Longmont and Lafayette this week.  No spraying in Boulder is happening yet.  The spraying is in response to mosquito problem areas rather than areas that tested positive.  It is done in the evening and involves an ultra low volume fogging of pesticide from truck-mounted sprayers.

Residents may contact OtterTail at 303-273-2878. Its website, including a link to its spraying schedule, is http://ottertail.us/index_mosquito.htm.

How you can help: 

The “Four D’s” of protecting against mosquito bites (primarily June ->September)

  • Use DEET enhanced insect repellent or an alternative.  (NOT on babies and NOT directly on kids hands either.)
  • DRESS in long sleeves and pants
  • Avoid the outdoors from DUSK-DAWN
  • DRAIN standing water outside your home.

Buyers:  If you have showings booked with Silver Fern Homes during the dusk hours over the summer and located where Boulder County has confirms West Nile virus, I will remind you to bring “cover-up clothing”… Just in case we visit a home sporting a pond or other standing water.  🙂  You’re welcome!

Sellers:  For your own good and in order to convince a prospective buyer to linger longer at your home, make sure you don’t have standing water around the property.  (No, collecting rain water is NOT allowed.)

Don’t panic!  🙂

This is an informational article, not intended to scare anyone.  The chances of being infected is actually quite low.

Boulder County Public Health officials said that as of Tuesday, there have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Colorado. However, in 2013, there were 51 cases of the disease in Boulder County and you really don’t want to be 2014’s first!