In little more than a decade, a disease known primarily as a scourge to residents of North Africa has come to be a threat to the way summertime is celebrated across the United States. Unfortunately for Americans, West Nile virus could be joined by other mosquito-borne diseases to gain a foothold not only in the U.S., but also along Colorado's Front Range.

West Nile virus, which can create symptoms in humans ranging from mild fever to encephalitis and death, has been in the United States only since 1999 and in Colorado since 2002.

This year, almost 2,000 cases of the disease have been reported in the U.S., with dozens of deaths. Hardest hit has been the Dallas area, although reports during the weekend showed more cases hitting the San Antonio region, too.

In addition to West Nile virus, dengue fever has also been reported in some mosquitoes in the farthest southern regions of the country. While dengue had been eradicated from the United States in the 20th century, it has rebounded as the tropical weather the virus and mosquitoes need to thrive has moved northward.

Health officials have little in their arsenal to fight the diseases. Antibiotics don't work on viruses, and there are no vaccines in the pipeline. What that means is preventive efforts such as spraying for mosquitoes or reducing their habitats are among the only options. Other options, such as limiting time outside and applying strong repellent, come with their own downsides.


The trend noted by climate scientists shows that some mosquito-driven diseases that had been pushed back could regain a foothold in the United States. Already, mosquito season is longer than in decades past, meaning that just because traditional summertime is gone, the threat remains -- especially in the coming month when many residents take in football games or other outdoor activities at dusk.

Americans need to heed the warnings about West Nile virus. More importantly, medical research focused on what once were considered problems only for tropical and subtropical regions needs to have a newfound urgency.