Human case of West Nile virus confirmed in Arapahoe County, 1st in Colorado in 2024

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s first human case of the West Nile virus in 2024 has been confirmed.

A resident in Arapahoe County contracted the virus, and the Arapahoe County Public Health and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are investigating.

Bat tests positive for rabies, first case in Arapahoe County

Per CDPHE, the West Nile virus is spread by infected mosquitoes but infected humans cannot spread it to other people.

According to public health officials, Colorado doesn’t usually see its first human case of the West Nile virus until later in the summer, leaving many with concerns about this season’s mosquito activity. CDPHE said the risk to humans begins in June and lasts through early September when mosquitoes are most active.

“While we know that West Nile virus is endemic to Colorado—meaning we expect to see some cases each year—we never quite know how many to expect or just how bad a season will be. What this first case confirms for us, however, is that West Nile virus is present in our mosquito population, and as mosquito numbers increase, the risk of West Nile virus will, too,” said Melissa Adair, communicable disease epidemiology manager at Arapahoe County Public Health. “We’re encouraging all Arapahoe County residents to take precautions now, before we see mosquitoes and illness increase this season.”

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

According to Arapahoe County Public Health, 2023 was Colorado’s worst year for the West Nile Virus with 631 cases in 40 counties. The department said there were 383 hospitalizations and 50 deaths.

Symptoms of West Nile

According to Arapahoe County Public Health, symptoms of the West Nile virus appear two to 14 days after exposure. The symptoms often include

• Fever

• Body aches

• Headache

• Rashes and swollen lymph nodes

How to prevent West Nile

If you have spent any time outside in Colorado, you’ve likely seen a mosquito. CDPHE said Colorado has had a case of the West Nile virus every year since 2002.

Dengue fever surging in US. These are symptoms you should watch for

Here is how you can protect yourself, according to Arapahoe County Public Health:

• Wear an EPA-approved insect repellant, like one that includes DEET.

• Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Avoid recreating around standing water, such as lakes and ponds. If you are camping, use mosquito netting and insect repellent.

• Wear long-sleeved clothes to protect against mosquitoes.

• Drain standing water sources including puddles, gutters, flowerpots, tires, pool covers, boats and tarps.

If you think you are experiencing severe symptoms of the West Nile virus, contact your local health department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.