The Larimer County Department of Health reports that mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus were trapped in Loveland and Fort Collins between July 20-24, making these the first positive samples in Larimer County in 2014.

Three out of 43 traps tested from Fort Collins, and two traps out of ten traps tested from Loveland, contained mosquitoes confirmed to carry West Nile virus.

  • The positive traps in Fort Collins were in the southeast section of the city:  located near Timberline and Bighorn Dr.; Westchase Rd (NW of Fossil Creek Reservoir); and Timberline and Carpenter.
  • The positive traps in Loveland were in the southern part of the city, at the old Fairgrounds (west of Highway 287 at the Big Thompson River); and Boyd Lake Avenue and East County Road 20 C (southwest of the Loveland Sports Park).

So far this year there are only three reports of humans with West Nile. They’re in Boulder, Pueblo and Saguache counties.

HOW TO PREVENT WEST NILE - THE FOUR D's

1. Drain
Mosquitoes breed in water! Drain any standing water in your yard each week. Bird baths, clogged gutters and kiddie pools are common breeding sites.

2. Dress
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Spray clothing with insect repellent since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.

3. DEET
Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Use an approved repellent according to its label. To find the repellent that is right for you visit: cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform.

4. Dawn/Dusk
Limit time spent outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active and feeding.

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