On behalf of the City of Longmont, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) will conduct spraying operations in a reduced set of local neighborhoods on Thursday, Aug. 17, weather permitting, to control the spread of West Nile Virus.

Last week the vector index was zero, indicating that no mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). However, Boulder County Public Health reiterated that WNV is still present in the community. For this reason, they recommended spraying zones that met both the 150 total mosquito threshold and had at least 100 Culex tarsalis mosquitoes (the species that is the main vector for WNV). This represents a balance between preventing WNV transmission and limiting pesticide use. 

The following standard zones will be sprayed Thursday: (Find the map of these zones on the VDCI’s webpage.)

• Jim Hamm (LM-03)
• Sandstone Ranch (LM-22)
• Union Res (LM-23)
• St. Vrain Greenway (LM-28)
• Renaissance (LM-34)
• Stoney Ridge/Lanyon Park (LM-41)
• Izaak Walton Park (LM-42)
• Rough & Ready South (LM-43)
• Great Western Cattail Court (LM-44)

Should a change in plans occur, that information will be posted at longmontcolorado.gov/westnile. When the triggering events occur, notice is typically provided on this site and via news release on Tuesdays that spraying will occur later that week – typically on Thursday evenings — giving residents 48 hours’ notice of any spraying.

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 of 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.