An El Paso County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first human case in El Paso County this year, according to a news release from El Paso County Public Health on Tuesday.

West Nile virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the public health department’s news release. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.

Colorado’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2023 confirmed amid ‘historic’ mosquito activity

Colorado is currently at the height of its concern, according to Dr. Bernadette Albanese, the co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health. Most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September.

This year’s heavy precipitation, resulting in more standing water, is predictive of a heavier than usual mosquito season. With more mosquitoes comes greater possibility for virus-carrying insects.

“We’re set up for things to be worried about, so start taking steps now, and we’ll just have to see how the rest of the season goes,” Albanese said.

Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, public health says. However, 1 in 5 infected people will have flu-like symptoms, which usually begin two to 14 days after an exposure.

Serious, potentially deadly neurologic illness occurs in fewer than 1 in 100 infected people. People 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions – such as diabetes or kidney disease – are at greater risk of serious illness.

“If you’re that kind of person, but you like being outdoors, you just gotta know that mosquito bites could be a problem for you,” Albanese said. “I don’t know if there’s a person in the world who can say, ‘I’ve never gotten a mosquito bite.’ It’s about reducing your risk. You’re not going to completely eliminate getting bit by an insect, but if you’re out and about, just know and do your best.”

The health department provided these tips on protecting yourself against West Nile virus:

? Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents is unknown, including some natural repellents.

? Limit time outdoors during the times of day when mosquitoes are most active, typically around dusk and dawn.

? Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially when outdoors around dusk and dawn.

? Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.

? Frequently drain standing water from areas around the house such as birdbaths, portable pools, tires, planters, pet water dishes and children’s swimming pools. Mosquitoes can lay eggs and grow in standing water.

? Treat standing water – such as ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flowerpots, plant saucers, puddles and buckets – with larvicide “doughnuts,” which can be purchased at hardware stores. Larvicide doughnuts use a naturally occurring type of bacteria to control mosquitoes.

A total of nine human cases of West Nile virus were recorded in El Paso County between 2013 and this year.