State health officials have confirmed the first human death from West Nile virus in Colorado this year. The individual, an adult resident of Lafayette, was identified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Boulder County Public Health.
According to state data, there have been nine human cases of West Nile virus in residents across eight counties so far this year. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have also been detected in eight out of 16 counties that have conducted mosquito testing this season. These counties include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the first West Nile virus-related death in our state this year. This tragic loss underscores the serious nature of this virus and why personal prevention is so vital,” said Dr. Ned Calonge, Chief Medical Officer at CDPHE. “I cannot stress enough the importance of taking simple, effective steps — like using repellant and draining standing water — to protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile virus infections.”
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may develop between three to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, severe fatigue, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. While many people do not show symptoms after infection with West Nile virus, some may experience severe or even fatal illness. Individuals aged 60 years or older or those with certain medical conditions face a higher risk for serious outcomes.
Health officials recommend several measures for personal protection: using insect repellent containing DEET or other approved ingredients; limiting outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; wearing long sleeves and pants; removing standing water from yards regularly; treating undrainable water with larvicide; and ensuring window and door screens are intact.
Additional information on weekly case updates and historical trends is available on the CDPHE West Nile virus webpage.
