Colorado Travel Answers

2003 West Nile Virus Case Count: cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnil... How to prevent it: cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnil...

Thanks for your response. I found some web sites earlier. What's your personal view?

If I had to travel to Colorado, I wouldn't go, but because I attract mosquitoes everywhere I go. If your parents aren't like me and are in very good health, I would concentrate mostly on the following: - :West Nile virus is not spread from person to person, and no evidence indicates the virus can be spread directly from birds to humans. - Only a small population of mosquitoes are likely to be infected and most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not become sick. - 1 in 300 people bitten by an infected mosquito get sick. - 1 in 100-150 who get sick become seriously ill. - 3 to 15 percent of those seriously ill die. Elaine

Thanks Elaine - the mossies like me too. Our blood must taste sweet.

Oh wait, if your parents are in his 60s or older, I would tell them not to go there.

Ops, in THEIR 60s

They are - closer to 70 than 60 actually but it's too late now. They are definitely going. Apparently, DEET repellent is selling out very quickly over there so they will take plenty from here and try to prevent getting bites. This is maybe more serious than I initially thought. I'd still be interested to hear from someone who is actually there to see what they think. It's something that you might associate with far-flung, exotic places in the world and not necessarily with the States.

Did you try sending an e-mail to Lakenheath (VT user)? He lives in Colorado Springs.

No emails - just this forum posting.

Phil- Most of the reported infections of West Nile have been in the Northern Counties, well away from Colorado Springs. (Very remote locations). I'm a 'skeeter-magnet', and have yet to even get one nip this summer (which is amazing to me, since I'm outside early morning, every morning, and usually at dusk). Take the trip, it's really pretty here this year! Jeff-

That's a bit more reassuring! Cheers Jeff.

Phil- Hardest hit are Weld, Larimer and Boulder counties. Check out the stories on www.9news.com to sate your concerns! (It's a great site for information!) Jeff-

Thanks again Jeff. I know there's loads of stuff on the 'net but I wanted to get a few views from locals. When we had the BSE/mad cow thing or when there have been explosions whatever in London everything seems to get blown out of proportion and it's not until you talk to a local you get to understand the actual situation. My folks are all set to go anyway - it's a done deal. They'll just need to cover up a bit more and be careful. Apreciate your, and Elaine's, help.

Phil- Hey, Buddy! My pleasure! They'll have a GREAT trip! Jeff-

Thanks again Jeff. I'm sure they will! It's been a while since I've been over and I'd love to go back again but you can't do everything. I'll just have to make do with SE Asia and Australia this year.

I live in Lakewood, which is on the west side of the Denver metro area. There is some risk with them being older, but depending on when they are coming, the weather is getting cooler every day and pretty soon they will all be gone. And it has mostly been northern counties, although Jefferson county has had it's first death from it. I have been outside ALL summer and haven't seen one mosquito. I wouldn't worry about it too much, just have them wear DEET.