Colorado’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2023 has surfaced in La Plata County, according to a Monday news release from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can be passed to humans through mosquito bites. The virus can be fatal and resulted in the deaths of 20 Coloradans last year. 

No information regarding the identity or the condition of the person who contracted the virus in La Plata County, which is located in the southwest part of the state. 

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According to CDPHE, mosquitos have tested positive for the virus in seven Colorado counties, including Arapahoe, Boulder, Delta, Denver, Larimer, Pueblo and Weld – the first positive cases coming in late June in Boulder and Weld counties. 

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

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of West Nile virus include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Still, only one in every 150 people that contract West Nile virus will experience serious symptoms. 

CDPHE offers the following tips to protect yourself from the virus: 

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors
• Limit outdoor activities at dusk and dawn
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active 

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