
Media Release
July 12, 2007
Media Contacts:
Rosann Doran
Public Information Officer
303.438.6308
Another
West Nile summer;
Broomfield takes action
The summer of 2007 is in full swing, and so is Broomfield’s Mosquito Control Program. Monitoring data indicates that 2007 mosquito season has arrived, and unfortunately, West Nile Virus (WNV) is an ongoing concern. State health officials are saying that initial surveillance indicates this year could be a year of high numbers of WNV cases.
WNV is a potentially serious disease that can be transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. The illness can affect anyone at any age, but persons over the age of 50 seem to be affected more severely from the disease. Symptoms can range from minor discomfort to severe illness. They can include fever, headache and body aches that last from several days to several weeks.
The good news is that WNV can be prevented in humans with some simple precautions. To help minimize exposure to mosquitoes, Broomfield’s Environmental Services Division has contracted Colorado Mosquito Control (CMC) to monitor the mosquito population, distribute larvicide in lakes and ponds to kill mosquito larvae, and apply adulticide as needed to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
As an extra precaution, Broomfield is taking steps to initiate blanket spraying citywide if Culex counts continue to rise.
CMC will trap and submit mosquitoes to the Centers for Disease Control for virus testing and also respond to mosquito complaints. The CMC “Mosquito Hotline” number to report nuisance mosquitoes is 303-558-8730. Broomfield’s Health and Human Services Department also reviews the mosquito data, and is conducts case-by-case investigations when human West Nile Virus cases are reported to the state health department.
While CMC provides a rigorous mosquito control program, it is impossible to eliminate all mosquitoes. Residents can reduce the number of incidents of WNV by proactively protecting themselves, their children, their homes and neighborhood by taking some simple precautions. If you haven’t already, now is the time to begin following the precautions listed below. Precautions and protection should continue until the first hard frost.
Always use an insect repellent containing DEET when enjoying Broomfield’s outdoor activities. For children under the age of 2 months the repellent should not exceed 30 percent DEET. DEET is not recommended for children under age of 2 months of age. Adults should not use a repellent that exceeds 50 percent DEET. Use insect repellent on clothing and exposed skin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wear protective clothing – long sleeved shirts and long pants – when outdoors, and limit outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Protect your home and neighborhood by eliminating standing water. Empty standing water from flower pots, buckets or any other containers outside. Keep roof gutters free from clogs so water doesn’t back up and stand, creating a breeding place for mosquitoes. Repair holes in window and door screens. Where there are no screens, keep windows and doors closed. Don’t over water your lawn, and keep it mowed to an appropriate height. Mosquitoes nestle in the grass to stay cool.
What’s DEET?
DEET is an active ingredient in many insect repellent products used to repel biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Its chemical formula is: N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide.
Products containing DEET are safe for adults and children, as well as pregnant or nursing women when used according to manufacturer’s directions.
When using DEET,
¨ Follow manufacturer’s instructions
¨ For children, apply to your own hands and rub on the child – do not apply to hands or near eyes and mouths of young children
¨ For yourself, spray hands and then rub on your face, avoiding eyes and mouth
¨ Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin
¨ Apply enough repellent to cover exposed skin and clothing, but do not apply under clothing
¨ Avoid over application
¨ Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas
¨ When returning indoors, wash skin with soap and water, and wash clothing that has been treated with repellent
Where to call…
If you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, call your doctor. Broomfield’s Health and Human Services Department also has a hotline where you may leave a message to be returned by a Health or Environmental staff member: 720.887.2220.
To report standing water or excessive numbers of mosquitoes, call Colorado Mosquito Control anytime: 303.558.8730. Colorado Mosquito Control also maintains a Sensitive Persons Registry for those who cannot tolerate chemical sprays.
To report dead birds, call Broomfield Public Health Division (720)887-2220.
For information, call the CoHELP line at 1-877-462-2911.
Information is also available on the Fight the Bite Web site at www.fightthebitecolorado.com