Summer brings a lot of enjoymentólonger days, plenty of sunshine and the urge to be outside enjoying beautiful Colorado. But summer also brings a potential threat: West Nile virus. As a resident of Falcon, I know that we who live in eastern El Paso County need to pay special attention to this concern.Look around you. Many of our neighbors have horses, which are vulnerable to West Nile virus. And with our larger lots, acreages, farms and ranches; there is a better chance that water can collect and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes without us realizing it.First, letís review the basics:West Nile virus came to El Paso County in 2002 as part of the virusí westward migration across the United States. The virus is carried long distances by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that feed on these birds. Infected mosquitoes can then bite and pass the virus to humans and animals, such as birds and horses.You may remember we had the worst year for West Nile virus in 2003, when Colorado reported 2,947 cases and 63 deaths. Here in El Paso County in 2003, we had 114 human cases, including one death.Following the pattern that often occurs in communities where people learn about the threat and take measures to protect themselves, the number of West Nile cases came down considerably after 2003. In 2006, El Paso County reported five human cases and Colorado reported 345 cases.What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?After someone is bitten by a West Nile-infected mosquito, it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to show up. All forms of West Nile virus are potentially serious. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle weakness, rash, stiff neck or changed mental state. You should seek medical attention from a physician promptly if you have these symptoms.What special efforts can we take as rural residents to protect ourselves?To start with, if you are a horse owner, be sure to keep your horses vaccinated. As you may remember, 61 horses were found to be infected with West Nile virus in 2003. Horses are a dead end for the virus ñ they donít infect anyone or anything else ñ but West Nile virus is potentially life threatening to horses, so itís best to protect them with vaccinations.Here at the Health Department, we believe in practicing the ìFour Dís,î and these carry extra meaning for our rural neighbors. Let me explain:DRAIN: If you own larger tracts, youíre probably aware of areas that tend to collect rainwater or runoff. So drain what you can, and put larvacide into what you canít drain, such as stock tanks and small ponds where waters remain still. Lakes and other bodies of water large enough to have regular wave action are less likely to harbor mosquito larvae, as are bodies of water containing small fish, which eat the larvae. But, if in doubt, drain it or treat it.DUSK AND DAWN: Often we advise people to limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. But we recognize that rural residents often are tending to livestock and other outdoor duties at those times. So, itís extra important that you DRESS properly ñ wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants, and use a mosquito repellant with DEET.Also, keep on eye out for dead birds, particularly members of the Corvid family of birds, including crows, magpies and jays. These birds tend to be the most common carriers of West Nile virus. The Health Department collects dead birds each summer for testing from El Paso County residents. Call (719) 575-8636 if you find a dead bird.At the Health Department, we are committed to keeping you safe from disease and arming you with information to keep yourself safe. If you have questions or need more information about West Nile virus, please visit our Web site at www.elpasocountyhealth.org, or call (719) 578-8635.Hereís what the Health Department does to protect youAs in past years, the Health Departmentís efforts to protect El Paso County residents against West Nile virus include the following:ï Community education ñ leading a multi-agency coalition to provide information to individuals so they can protect themselves and their families from exposure to mosquitoesï Environmental surveillance and control ñ monitoring and testing for the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes and birds; monitoring infection in horses; mapping mosquito populations and coordinating efforts to prevent mosquito reproduction through destruction of larvaeï Surveillance and investigation of human cases ñ interviewing and educating individuals diagnosed with West Nile infections; gathering of data regarding numbers and ages of cases, types of symptoms and severity of illness; and determining possible sources of infection
