West Nile Virus Rears Its Ugly Head in Laramie County

The City of Cheyenne’s Weed and Pest Division is asking residents to take precautions after mosquitoes collected throughout the city and Laramie County tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Weed and Pest Manager Steven Trowbridge says, "Above-average rainfall combined with warm temperatures have contributed to high numbers of West Nile Virus-infected mosquitoes."

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Trowbridge recommends residents practice the four Ds of prevention:

1. DAWN & DUSK – Avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk when possible.
2. DRESS – Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light-colored and tightly woven to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
3. DRAIN – Reduce standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water.
4. DEET – For additional mosquito protection, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Other insect repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are also registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is essential to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellent.

"One of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses in your community is to remove standing water around your home or business," said Trowbridge.

"If removing the water is not an option, please contact Weed and Pest at (307) 637-6475, and we will be happy to help you address the problem," he added. "County residents can contact Laramie County Environmental Health at (307) 633-4090."

Trowbridge says Weed and Pest will continue to inspect and treat known larval mosquito habitats daily.

Weed and Pest will also continue monitoring adult mosquito populations and use ultra-low volume truck spraying as needed and as weather conditions allow.