New West Nile virus risk map goes live

It’s now easier than ever for Fort Collins residents to see the West Nile virus risk in their neighborhoods, thanks to a new Risk Map that is live on fcgov.com/westnile.

One glance at the high-tech WNV Risk Map shows where testing indicates the presence of WNV positive mosquitoes. The City of Fort Collins operates 53 traps throughout the community to provide up-to-date information on the severity of West Nile virus.

The vector index, or measure of infected mosquitoes, is displayed using colors on the map. Blue is the lowest risk, with red is the highest risk. The interactive GIS map allows people to see what the risk is in their neighborhood, as well as in areas they plan to visit.

The map is updated every Tuesday night and uses two weeks’ worth of data to generate the hot spot overlay. If there is no color on the map, the vector indexes are zero.

Before the city will consider adulticiding, the vector index must be 0.75 in any of the four zones and there must be two confirmed human cases. The county has a lower threshold for action and may initiate an application earlier per the Director of the Health and Environment Department’s recommendation.

WNV is a disease that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The symptoms of WNV range from none to very serious. The first human WNV case has been reported this week in southeast Fort Collins. The case is a good reminder for residents who are encouraged to protect themselves using the Four D’s: Drain, Dress, DEET, Dusk through dawn.

While there are no guarantees that you will not get WNV, using the Four Ds helps minimize the risk. To learn more about WNV and how to protect your family and take the WNV Awareness Poll visit fcgov.com/westnile.