News

May 10, 2024

First case of West Nile virus in El Paso County resident in 2023

El Paso County, Colorado – An El Paso County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first human case in El Paso County this year. West Nile virus is spread to people by the

El Paso County, Colorado – An El Paso County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first human case in El Paso County this year.

West Nile virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them. In Colorado, most human cases of West Nile virus are reported in August and September.

Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms. However, one in five 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 one in 100 infected people. People aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions—such as diabetes or kidney disease—are at greater risk of serious illness.

What you can do to protect yourself against West Nile virus:

To learn more about West Nile virus, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website: www.cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/west-nile-virus. To explore additional data, visit www.cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/west-nile-virus/west-nile-virus-data.

Human cases of West Nile virus in El Paso County, Colorado:

###