West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquito Samples
LARAMIE, WYOMING: West Nile virus (WNV) has been documented in three mosquito samples collected over the past week just outside city limits. The positive samples were isolated in mosquitoes collected from surveillances traps monitored by City of Laramie Mosquito Control. The samples were determined to be positive for WNV via RAMP testing performed by City of Laramie Mosquito technicians this week.
The rating of the Risk of West Nile virus infection continues to be rated at LEVEL 1 (LOW RISK) based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for a phased response to WNV surveillance data. Currently virus activity is categorized as “limited to sporadic activity in local mosquitoes and birds”. City of Laramie Mosquito Technicians have tested a total of 54 pooled samples of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes so far in the 2025 mosquito season. Culex tarsalis is the known vector of WNV in the region. The Wyoming Department of Health has been notified of these positive mosquito pools (Albany County). Currently, the WY Department of Health is reporting zero positive human cases and two positive avian cases in Wyoming.
Current surveillance locally shows low numbers of vector mosquitoes being collected across trap locations within city limits and a moderate amount in traps outside the city limits.
Mosquito control will continue to fog residential neighborhoods where both vector and nuisance mosquitos are being found in adult mosquito surveillance traps. Mosquito Control continues to perform targeted larval control and adult fogging operations to control vector mosquitoes in areas of higher vector densities and areas where citizens often recreate in the evening hours and in areas on the western edge of town where vector numbers are higher historically. Targeted areas include parks and recreation areas, golf courses, the Laramie River Greenbelt Trail, Cirrus Sky Trail, and agricultural areas adjacent to city limits. All “No Spray” zones will continue to be honored at this time.
Citizens are reminded that WNV can infect people of all ages, but the elderly may be at the greatest risk for a serious infection. Locally, the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active after dusk and citizens should limit activities in areas with high mosquito populations during this time. Repairing screens, especially in sleeping rooms, and using personal protection such as proper clothing and insect repellent containing DEET, Picardan, or Lemon Eucalyptus oil can also reduce the risk. Further Wyoming WNV information can be found online at: the www.badskeeter.org or the Centers for Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Hotline information regarding chemical applications on city owned properties will be updated daily by 4:00 p.m. Call 721-5056 or visit the Mosquito and Chemical Application Website: www.cityoflaramie.org/mosquito. For more information contact Hunter Deerman Mosquito/IPM Supervisor at hdeerman@cityoflaramie.org; 721-5258 or Scott Hunter, Parks Manager at shunter@cityoflaramie.org; 721-5257.
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