Epi Week #34 - 2014 General Statements

Mosquito activity remained low this week, likely due to cool temperatures. The cool evening temperatures also likely impeded the collection process for many traps. Totals for both EEE- and WNV-positive mosquito pools continue to remain below 2013 and 2012 levels, with only 26 WNV-positive pools and 13 EEE-positive pools so far in 2014. For comparison, note that at this time last year, we had 160 WNV-positive pools, and in 2012 (when aerial sprays were ordered) there were 195 WNV-positive pools and 213 EEE-positive pools.

Districts with arbovirus-positive mosquitoes have continued to implement standard control responses, including larviciding of catch basins and ULV truck spraying of adulticide in a wide area around positive finds.

Weather

Epi Week 34 was much cooler and drier than normal, with most locations receiving less than 0.25”of rain, and some areas experiencing overnight lows in the low 50s. Epi Week 35 is expected to be a “return to summer” with substantially higher than normal temperatures that will feel more like mid-July. A cold front will arrive by Thursday, August 28th but temperatures are expected to remain above normal. Rainfall will be limited to scattered thunderstorms. The state as a whole will round out August with temperatures 1.5 to 2’F below average.