West Nile Virus Detected In Mosquito Samples In Laramie

West Nile virus (WNV) has been documented in two mosquito samples collected over the past few weeks just outside city limits. The positive samples were isolated in mosquitos collected from surveillance 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 5 pooled samples of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes so far in the 2024 mosquito season. Culex tarsalis is the known vector of WNV in the region. No avian, equine, or human cases have been reported at this time in Albany County. 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 zero animal cases in Wyoming.

Current surveillance locally shows low numbers of vector mosquitoes being collected across all trap locations both outside and within city limits.