‘Unusually High’ Levels Of West Nile Virus Activity in Cheyenne, Laramie County

The City of Cheyenne Weed and Pest Division is reporting "unusually high" levels of West Nile Virus activity in Cheyenne and Laramie County.

That's according to a news release from the City of Cheyenne.

The release goes on to say "Most mosquitoes do not test positive for disease-causing viruses. However, a bite from a WNV-infected mosquito can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. About 1 in 5 people infected with WNV will experience mild symptoms that can include fever, muscle aches, headache, rash, or nausea. Approximately 1 in 150 may experience severe symptoms such as high fever, vision loss, severe headache, muscle weakness, tremors, or paralysis. Those over the age of 50 are more likely to develop severe illness. If you think you have symptoms of WNV, see your doctor right away.''

In response to the high levels of WNV, Weed and Pest will be watching known mosquito larvae habitats and will begin Ultra Low Volume spraying in areas with a lot of Culex mosquitoes, which are the main carrier of the virus.

You can get more information on ULV truck spraying here.

How To Control Mosquito Populations On Your Property

Weed and Pest offers the following tips to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Check your property for ANY items that can hold water. Anything kept outside, such as kids' toys, buckets, wading pools, canoes, and wheelbarrows, should be flipped over when not in use to prevent them from collecting water.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) to prevent mosquito access.
• Repair cracks or gaps in septic tanks and cover open vents or plumbing pipes with fine mesh.
• Ensure roof gutters drain properly and remove vegetation and debris from ponds, yards, and gardens

Tips to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes;

• DUSK & DAWN-Stay indoors when Culex mosquitoes are more active.
• DRESS - Cover-up as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are more active.
• DRAIN -Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water.
• DEET- Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions.

West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes have also been found near Laramie, although officials with Laramie Mosquito Control say the risk so far there remains low.