In consultation with Boulder County Public Health, and after review of available data, the City of Longmont has contracted with Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) to expand the area they will spray on Monday, August 7. This expansion is in response to a record high risk of the West Nile Virus, measured by the vector index (VI). A VI of 0.75 is considered elevated risk. Longmont’s VI has increased from 13.82 last week to 14.12.

The total spray area will include new locations in addition to all previous standard and enhanced zones. All areas to be sprayed on Monday are highlighted in this map (both the yellow and red areas will be sprayed): bit.ly/expandedaugust2023. Spraying will also occur on the City’s routine schedule, Thursday, August 10, with specific locations to be determined based on the capacity of VDCI. These details will be published on Tuesday, August 8. Should a change in plans occur, that information will be posted at longmontcolorado.gov/westnile.

Receive Notifications Related to West Nile Virus

VDCI maintains a database of Longmont residents who have made notification or shutoff requests for their property if spraying is scheduled. Please contact VDCI to request notification, shutoff, or both by filling out the form at the bottom o the www.vdci.net/colorado/ webpage or by calling 877-276-4306.

Additional Prevention

Boulder County Public Health and Longmont officials urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. Keep safe this summer, and remember the four Ds:

• Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
• DRESS in light colors and loose-fitting long sleeves and pants.
• Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until sunrise.
• DRAIN standing water outside your home.

General Info on West Nile Virus

WNV is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected female mosquito. While most infections are mild, the more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain’s lining), loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and death.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, and occasionally can also include skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Generally, symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their health care providers. There is no treatment, cure, or human vaccination for the virus. Health care providers can only treat the symptoms to help patients feel better and possibly recover more quickly.

Generally, the mosquito season extends from late April until mid-October, with the end of the season usually signaled by the first hard freeze in the fall.

For more information about West Nile Virus, mosquito activity in Boulder County, or proactive steps to take, call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911 or  visit Boulder County’s West Nile Virus webpage. To report nuisance mosquitoes, click on “Report Mosquito Activity” in the “What You Can Do” section on the website.

Learn more about West Nile Virus, the City’s integrated pest management program and how to protect yourself from West Nile Virus on the City’s West Nile Virus webpage or by calling 303-651-8416.