Weed and Pest Division detects local West Nile Virus activity

Published on June 25, 2025

mosquitoes in water

The City of Cheyenne Weed and Pest Division has detected unusually high West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in the city and Laramie County.

Weed and Pest staff will continue to inspect known larval mosquito habitats and will also begin Ultra Low Volume (ULV) truck spraying in areas with elevated levels of Culex mosquitoes, which are the major vector of WNV in the region. More information on ULV truck spraying can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/adulticides.html.

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.

The best and most effective mosquito control begins at home. Eliminating standing water is the first step in reducing mosquito breeding:

  • 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.

To reduce your risk of being bitten, remember the 5 Ds:

  • 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.

More information on West Nile Virus is available from the Wyoming Department of Health at: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/west-nile-virus.

For questions, call Weed and Pest at (307)-637-6475 or email weedandpest@cheyennecity.org.

 

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