Vector-Borne Diseases . Nuclear Attack . As long as vectors are present in the state, the potential for recurring disease exists. Reported cases of Wester equine encephalitis have typically been higher in irrigated areas east of the Continental Divide. In most areas, more than 90 percent of all mosquito production may be associated with the use of water for irrigation.
Flooding creates additional breeding sites.
These same areas may be considered vulnerable to the incidence of St. Louis encephalitis. The likelihood of this disease infecting the population is greater in the high mountainous areas of the state. Colorado tick fever has historically been associated chiefly with the southwestern quarter of the state while cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been most numerous in the southern half of the state. As long as favorable tick habitat exists in these regions and within close proximity to populated areas, these portions of the state should be considered most vulnerable to future incidence of tick fever. Most, but not all cases of tularemia appear to be associated with ticks in the southeastern part of the state.