At least one case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed at the Wardenburg Health Center of the University of Colorado at Boulder this summer and campus officials are urging new and returning students to take precautions.
At least 32 cases of the virus have been confirmed in Boulder County this year -- the highest total of any county in Colorado -- and virtually all monitored mosquito pools in the county have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Wardenburg officials. Statewide, 151 cases have been reported including one death.
"West Nile fever is not a mild illness and can be debilitating for some people," said Sandra Sonoda of infection control at the Wardenburg Health Center. The number of Culex mosquitoes, the type that most commonly harbors the virus, has been on the rise in Boulder County.
All members of the campus community are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites until the first severe freeze, which usually occurs in late September, said Edward von Bleichert, CU-Boulder's integrated pest management coordinator.
Until then, all Boulder County residents are encouraged to wear insect repellant to prevent mosquito bites, especially during the hours between dusk and dawn. Repellants containing at least 10 percent DEET are recommended, except for children. Repellents containing Picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and 2 percent soybean oil also have been proven effective and safe, campus officials said.
Since repellents containing DEET or oil of eucalyptus are not appropriate for all people, especially young children, people should read labeling information before use.
Officials at CU's Facilities Management department, Wardenburg Health Center, Housing Department and University Risk Management have been working closely with the Boulder County Health Department on risk reduction through prevention and education since West Nile Virus arrived in Colorado in 2002.
Wardenburg's Student Wellness Program staff is distributing educational material to students on ways to reduce the risk of contracting the virus, said Program Coordinator Robin Kolble. The health center also is participating in the county health department's "One Bite" campaign.
As they did last year, Facilities Management employees have been taking steps to reduce mosquito exposure on campus. These include eliminating standing water, monitoring water sources for the presence of Culex larvae, treating several campus ponds with a naturally occurring larvicide and monitoring mosquito traps that have been placed on the main, south and east campuses, and Williams Village.
To report standing water on campus, contact the Facilities Management service desk at (303) 492-5522.
More information on the One Bite campaign and West Nile Virus prevention is available on the Boulder County Health Department Web site at .