HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 8/18/2020 - Memorandum From Matt Parker, Amy Resseguie And Tyler Marr Re: West Nile Virus (Wnv) Update
City Manager’s Office
PO Box 580
300 LaPorte Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 10, 2020
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Matt Parker, Supervisor, Natural Areas
Amy Resseguie, Sr. Specialist, Communications
Tyler Marr, Interim Director, Information & Employee Services
Through: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
John Stokes, Interim Director, Community Services
Mike Calhoon, Director, Parks
Zoe Shark, Interim Director, Natural Areas
Mark Sears, Manager, Natural Areas
Re: West Nile virus (WNV) Update
Summary:
This week’s data shows WNV activity slowly gaining steam in the southern sections of the City.
Three traps tested positive this week, two in the southwest quadrant, one in the southeast. WNV
management actions are in full swing with larval treatments, trapping, testing, and public
outreach efforts are focused on methods with the highest visibility and impact during the peak
of the season.
Current Vector Index:
Week No: 32 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 0.02 0.02
FC – Zone SW NA 0.00 0.20
FC – Citywide NA 0.01 0.05
Floating Zone 0.75 0.08 0.26
Current Conditions: Positive sample numbers have increased week over week; one each in the two
previous weeks, and three positive samples in the current week. The same week last year saw six
positive samples. Thus far, all positive samples detected in 2020 have been south of Drake Road. A
seven-trap area of in the southwest quadrant bounded by Drake Road, College Avenue, West Trilby
Road, and S Taft Hill Road, shows a vector index value of 0.263. At the quadrant level, the southwest
(includes three additional traps excluded from the above floating zone) vector index and mosquito
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abundance values exceed historic averages. In the remainder of the City, both vector index and
abundance values remain below historic values.
Process for Spray Recommendations: Current WNV conditions are well under the 0.75 threshold for
adult mosquito spraying applications. If the City’s trapping network shows WNV activity beyond the
vector index threshold of 0.75, the Larimer County Health Department typically makes a treatment
recommendation to the City. If an application is recommended, areas of concern will be identified based
on data from a minimum of five traps. Identified treatment areas may be sub-zone or may cross zone
boundaries.
Outreach and Public Awareness:
Outreach and education efforts are underway and will increase in community visibility through the
month of August. Information was distributed earlier this summer via City newsletters, social media, and
a utility bill insert. Digital, print and radio advertising; street banners; bus bench ads; and additional
social media content began August 1 and will run through the end of August. Due to COVID-19
gathering restrictions and anticipated budget reductions, some outreach methods-such as staffing at
events, or poster displays inside restaurants-are not available this year. To maximize the outreach
budget, the digital, print and radio advertising window has been shortened slightly from previous years
in order to focus the largest advertising reach at the peak of the West Nile season (August). In the
event of a localized spike in the vector index value, door hangers will also be distributed. Outreach
materials and messaging are shared in both English and Spanish.
Outreach information is centered on “4Ds” messaging, which encourages people to 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. Please see example below.
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