The West Nile Virus was rst recognized in the United States in 1999 as the cause of severe and fatal human illness in metropolitan New York City. Since 1999, the West Nile Virus has rapidly spread westward. By the end of 2002, there were only a few states in the Western United States where the virus had not been observed. However, indications are that the virus will be observed in every state o...

In Colorado, this could lead to a number of problems. Projections show temperature increases of about 4 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Higher temperatures and more frequent heat waves could increase heat-related deaths and illnesses from insect-borne diseases like malaria, West Nile virus. Colorado led the nation in West Nile infections in 2003 with nearly 3000 reported cases. Increased tempera...