mosquitoEeek. According to NoCO5, "The presence of West Nile Virus in Culex mosquitoes, the type of mosquitoes that can carry the virus, has nearly quadrupled since last week."

This means you're at a higher risk of contracting the virus and the City of Fort Collins may start spraying to control the mosquitoes population and spread of the virus.

If the city does start spraying for mosquitoes you can sign up for an email or phone call alert when spraying will occur near you. (Click here for the link to subscribe to it.)

Some people worry about the safety risks of spraying for mosquitoes, but officials stress that their methods are safe and that any risks outweigh the benefit of letting infected mosquito populations explode. Here is a fact sheet from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The City of Fort Collins offers these tips to avoid West Nile mosquito exposure:

  • Limit time spent outdoors at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
  • Spray clothing with insect repellent since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
  • Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Always read and follow product directions.

Here's a video that talks about some of the symptoms of West Nile to watch out for.

More From 99.9 The Point