Representatives of local government agencies have met to begin mapping out strategy for the 2005 effort to fight West Nile Virus. Attending a January 28 th meeting with the Fremont County Commissioners were county health and extension officials, Canon City and Florence Municipal officials, and officials from the Fremont Sanitation District and Canon City Recreation District.
Fremont County saw the number of West Nile Virus human cases drop from more than 70 in 2003 to only four confirmed cases in 2004 with no serious illness or deaths reported. Despite those improved numbers local officials say they want to remain vigilant in making sure local citizens take the necessary precautions to avoid West Nile Virus.
The 2005 West Nile campaign will likely again be an education based initiative urging citizens to use caution in the early morning and evening hours to avoid being bitten by the tarsalis mosquito which spreads the virus. Efforts will again be made to encourage horse owners to vaccinate their animals, to encourage residents to use insect repellant containing 'Deet', to distribute Deet repellant wipes at public events, and there will be continued testing of trapped mosquitoes and dead corvid birds.
Fremont County Nursing Director Clarice Little said the county hopes to secure about $10,000 in grant money this summer to help finance the fight against West Nile Virus.
