Volume 13, Number 3—March 2007 Behavioral Risks for West Nile
Virus Disease, Northern Colorado, 2003 In 2003, residents in 2
adjacent cities in northern Colorado (Loveland and Fort Collins)
had severe outbreaks of human West Nile virus (WNV) disease.
Unexpectedly, age-adjusted neuroinvasive disease rates were
higher in Loveland (38.6 vs. 15.9 per 100,000), which had a more
extensive mosquito control program and fewer mosquitoes. A
survey was conducted to assess differences in personal
protection and risk practices by each city's residents. During
May and June 2004, a random-digit dial telephone survey was
conducted among adults to assess personal protection behavioral
practices used to prevent WNV infection during the 2003
outbreak. After we adjusted for identified risk factors,
Loveland residents were 39% more likely to report seldom or
never using N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), and ≈30% were more
likely to report being outdoors during prime mosquito-biting
hours than Fort Collins residents. Personal protec