At the request of the Forestry Chair and the Genesee Foundation Manager, I have acquired the following information about Mosquitoes and the possible risk of West Nile Virus transmission in Genesee. The source of this information is; David Volkel, Jefferson County Department of Environmental Health.

1. The community of Genesee is at low risk for the transmission of West Nile Virus.

2. Not all species of mosquitoes can carry and transmit the West Nile Virus. The two species of mosquitoes (Culex Tarsalis and Culex Pipins) that carry and transmit the disease to humans are generally not found at elevations present in the Colorado Foothills. Past attempts at trapping these two species of mosquitoes at elevations found here in Genesee have not produced significant or worrisome numbers of these mosquitoes.

3. Given the low risk for the transmission of West Nile Virus here in Genesee, the spraying /application of insecticide on Genesee Open Space for the purpose of controlling mosquito species generally not found here, is not recommended by Jefferson County as a first response and would cause harm to the desirable species of insects that do live here in Genesee.

4. If perceived areas of risk do arise in Genesee Open Space, David Vokel at the Jefferson County Department of Environmental Health (303 271 5730) could be contacted to arrange for the placement of a light trap. After a defined period of time, the contents of the light trap would be analyzed for the possible presence of the two species of mosquitoes mentioned above. Based on the analysis of the light trap, further measures could be recommended.

5. Residents of Genesee can be directed to the websites www.cohelp.us and www.fightthebite.com to gain further information about West Nile Virus and the personal measures they can take to prevent the transmission of the disease.

6. Residents of Genesee can also call 303 239 7075 to report the presence of any dead birds found in Genesee. Residents of Genesee can also call David Volkel directly at 303 271 5730 with any questions and concerns.