HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 7/27/2021 - Memorandum From Matt Parker, Amy Resseguie And Tyler Marr Re: West Nile Virus (Wnv)-Positive Mosquitos Detected 1745 Hoffman Mill Road
PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 20, 2021
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Matt Parker, Sr. Supervisor, Natural Areas
Amy Resseguie, Sr. Specialist, Communications & Public Involvement
Tyler Marr, Deputy Director, Information & Employee Services
Through: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
Seve Ghose, Director, Community Services
Mike Calhoon, Director, Parks
Zoe Shark, Interim Director, Natural Areas
Subject: West Nile virus (WNV) Positive Mosquitoes Detected
Summary:
-positive mosquitoes for the first
time this season. WNV activity, measured as a vector index,
threshold for adult mosquito treatments, however indications point to an active WNV year.
Across all species of mosquitoes, abundance is right at average for the 19-year dataset,
however the two WNV-transmitting Culex species account for 63% of mosquitoes trapped,
nearly twice the average (36%).
This is the first in a series of weekly memos (ending week 37 September 14) providing up-to-
date information on the level of WNV found in the community. WNV management actions are in
full swing with larval treatments, trapping, and testing; however, public outreach efforts are
limited due to budget constraints.
Current Vector Index:
Week No: 28 Vector Index
Threshold:
Previous Week Vector
Index:
Current Vector
Index:
FC Zone
NW NA 0.00 0.00
FC Zone NE NA 0.00 0.00
FC Zone SE NA 0.00 0.09
FC Zone SW NA 0.00 0.00
FC Citywide NA 0.00 0.03
Floating Zone 0.75 0.00 0.37
City of Fort Collins
Current Conditions: Two traps detected WNV-positive mosquitoes, both in the southeastern
quadrant of the city. A floating zone consisting of the 5 nearest traps indicates a vector index
value of 0.37. Exceptionally hot and dry periods, interrupted by occasional rainfall events have
allowed Culex mosquitoes to thrive. Vector index values remain near average for this point in
the summer, however Culex mosquito abundance is nearly twice the average. The Vector Index
calculation is the product of mosquito abundance and mosquito infection rate.
Process for Spray Recommendations: Current WNV conditions are below the policy thresholds
activity beyond the threshold of 0.75, the Larimer County Health Department will likely make a
treatment recommendation that the City conduct an application to treat adult mosquitoes. If an
application is recommended, areas of concern will be identified based on data from a minimum
of 5 traps. Identified treatment areas may be sub-zone or may cross zone boundaries.
Outreach and Public Awareness:
Budget reductions have impacted the WNV outreach effort eliminating poster/rack card printing,
print and radio ads, bus bench ads, and community events booths. Street banners, utility bill
inserts, and social media will continue as planned. In the event of a localized spike in the vector
index value, door hangers will be distributed. Outreach materials and messaging are shared in
both English and Spanish.
Drain
standing water, Dress in long pants and sleeves to deter biting, Defend with EPA-approved
repellant, and avoid the high mosquito activity time between Dusk & Dawn.
###
Press Releases
First Positive West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Found in Larimer County
Released on Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Contact Information
• Amy Resseguie, Senior Communications Specialist, aresseguie@fcgov.com
• Katie O'Donnell, Larimer County Public Information Officer, 970-646-
1756, kodonnell@larimer.org
Fort Collins, CO – The first positive West Nile virus mosquitoes have been
found in Larimer County this year. Positive mosquitoes were found in
southeast Fort Collins. No human cases have been reported in Colorado so far this year.
Mosquito numbers are abundant in many areas of the County. It is a good time to remind people to protect themselves from West Nile virus by taking steps to avoid being bitten. That can easily be done by using an effective repellent or staying indoors when mosquitoes are biting.
Trapping mosquitoes to monitor for West Nile virus risk began in June in Larimer County. West Nile disease is a viral infection which is spread to people by bites from infected Culex mosquitoes. Symptoms can range from none at
all to severe illness. About 75% of people who are infected don’t have any
symptoms; about 25% will develop West Nile fever which may progress to severe neuroinvasive infection. This may lead to hospitalization, critical illness, chronic disability, or even death.
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment works with local cities and towns, a mosquito abatement company (Vector Disease Control International), and Colorado State University to monitor and assess the risk to Larimer County residents.
West Nile virus can be prevented. In addition to community efforts, such as
larviciding, reducing water where mosquitoes can breed, and spraying for
adult mosquitoes, individuals can remember to use the 4 D’s to help prevent West Nile virus disease:
• Defend – Use DEET or other effective mosquito repellent - Use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent that has been proven to be effective
against West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes. DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (also called p-menthane-3,8-diol or PMD) and IR3535 are good choices.
• Dusk to Dawn - Avoid exposure during peak Culex mosquito feeding times, from dusk through dawn.
• Dress - Wear long sleeves and pants to keep mosquitoes from biting.
• Drain - Remove standing water in your yard or garden to minimize mosquito breeding areas.
For more tips on what you can do to prevent West Nile virus, visit fcgov.com/westnile