craigdailypress.com

This summer is shaping up to be a slow year for West Nile virus, but officials say residents still need to take precautions when outdoors.

There has been one confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Colorado this season. The case was in Weld County.

In 2005, Colorado had 106 West Nile virus cases in humans.

"It just seems like a pretty slow West Nile virus season," said Lori Maldonado, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

In 2004, 291 human cases of West Nile virus, including four deaths, were reported in Colorado, a sharp downturn from the first full season of West Nile virus in Colorado in 2003, when there were 2,947 confirmed human cases and 63 deaths.

Maldonado said West Nile typically peaks one year and drops off in the following years.

This summer has been drier than last year statewide and in Northwest Colorado. The dry weather could be contributing to the decline in West Nile cases, Maldonado said.

Mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of West Nile, breed in the puddles left by rain and floods.

Maldonado said mosquitoes thrive when hot weather follows wet weather.

Even with the dry weather, state officials have found culex mosquitoes, which are the most prolific West Nile carriers.

The Moffat County Pest Management Department has been spraying for mosquitoes and treating standing water since May.

Although 2006 looks like it will be a slow year for West Nile, Maldonado said residents still need to be careful when they're outside.

The Department of Health says residents should avoid outdoor activities, such as gardening, at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. If outside at dawn or dusk, cover up by wearing light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks.

Residents also should use approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET products generally provide the longest protection times. The other repellents may need to be applied more frequently. Products with 10 percent or less DEET are recommended for children.

Residents also are encouraged to drain standing water in their yards so mosquitoes don't have a place to breed.

Brandon Johansson can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 213, or bjohansson@craigdailypress.com.