Colorado’s first human West Nile case in 2023 in La Plata County

Colorado health officials diagnosed the West Nile Virus in a La Plata County resident Monday, marking the state’s first human case of the virus this year.

According to a Monday news release from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, officials have found West Nile in mosquitos in seven other counties throughout Colorado so far this season.

Officials identified the mosquito-borne virus in Arapahoe, Boulder, Delta, Denver, Larimer, Pueblo and Weld counties, but those areas have not documented any human cases yet.

“Mosquito populations are at historic levels in some parts of the state due to the high rainfall this year,” Monday’s news release stated. “This unusually high mosquito activity along with known presence of the virus has caused an elevated risk of West Nile virus transmission to humans.”

Some experts disagree, arguing that the relationship between rain and West Nile is “extremely paradoxical,” with more cases in drought years.

While most people with West Nile never exhibit symptoms, a small number of cases can develop into a serious illness or, in the worst cases, death.

As of July 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had identified 47 human cases of West Nile virus in the United States so far in 2023, and 33 had serious neuroinvasive symptoms.

Of the 206 human cases reported in Colorado last year, 20 were fatal, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Those most at risk of complications are people 60 years or older and those with certain medical conditions.

The state health department recommends using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol products to guard against mosquito bites. Individuals should limit time also outside in the evening, when these mosquitoes are most active, and wear long sleeves and pants.

Colorado homeowners should check weekly and remove standing water, and can also mosquito-proof their homes by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors, according to the state health department.

More information on West Nile and Colorado’s cases going back to 2003 can be found on the state health department’s website, cdphe.colorado.gov.

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