Mosquitoes are positive for West Nile virus in Fort Collins for the first time this season

DENVER – The mosquito traps at Fort Collins, Weld County and the city of Berthoud have been tested positive for West Nile virus for the first time this season, the Health Ministry said Wednesday. traps revealed Culex mosquitoes infected with the disease.

City officials said that the vector index – how infected mosquitoes are measured – is 0.004 in the city as a whole. Before the city plans to spray mosquitoes, the vector index should be 0.75 in one of four areas where traps were installed

West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The symptoms vary from nothing to very serious. To protect yourself against West Nile virus, remember the 4D:

• Use an insect repellent or an alternative to DEET: Repellents containing DEET, picaridine, IR3535 and l & # 39; eucalyptus lemon oil and para-menthane-diol. Follow the instructions on the label.
• DRESS in long sleeves and pants: Wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeved shirts and socks) in areas where mosquitoes are active. Spray clothes with an insect repellent for extra protection.
• Avoid outside DUSK until DAWN: Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are the most active. any stagnant water on your property. Mosquitoes breed in water, so items like bird baths, empty buckets, clogged gutters and ponds for children need to be drained regularly to maintain mosquito populations.

Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April to mid-October. For more information on West Nile Virus, log on to the website of the Ministry of Public Health and the Environment of Colorado.