Breaking: Boulder County mosquito tests positive for West Nile

Boulder County Public Health has confirmed that a mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus in a pool trap near Erie.

“Unfortunately, humid weather followed by high temperatures creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed,” said Lane Drager, coordinator of the Boulder County Public Health Consumer Protection Program. “Over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer, take the time to protect yourself, your family and your community from West Nile virus.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although most infections are mild, more severe cases can cause inflammation of the brain or brain lining, loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, seizures, and death.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, and sometimes rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Systems tend to appear three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their healthcare provider. There is no treatment, cure, or human vaccination for the virus, but providers can treat symptoms to help patients feel better and recover quickly.

Public health officials are urging residents to remember the 4Ds:

1. Use DEET-enriched insect repellent or an alternative.
2. Long-sleeved dress and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from dusk until dawn.
4. Drain standing water outside your home.

Mosquito season generally runs from April to mid-October, with the end usually signaled by the first fall frost.