Boulder County Public Health confirmed the death of a Longmont resident due to West Nile virus making it the first recorded death in 2023.
“This tragic death is an important reminder of how serious WNV can be. Our hearts go out to the impacted family and friends. Residents are strongly urged to take steps to reduce risk to themselves and the people they care about,” said Lane Drager, Boulder County Public Health Consumer Protection Program Coordinator. “Colorado has seen a substantial increase in mosquitoes in 2023, and that certainly includes Boulder County. Public Health recommends eliminating any standing water around your home, avoiding being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active and wearing insect repellent containing DEET and long sleeves and pants when outside after dusk.”
Sixty-six Coloradans have been affected by the virus this year. There have been three reported deaths and 38 hospitalizations.
While doctors can treat the symptoms of the virus there is no cure, treatment or human vaccination for the virus.
The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Most infections are mild, however, serious infections can cause encephalitis — inflamation of the brain — and/or meningitis — swelling of the brain lining — loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and death, acording to Boulder County Public Health.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, extreme fatigue, headache and body aches. Skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes can also occur in some cases. These sympthoms tend to present themselves three to 14 days after infection.
Boulder County Public Health officials urge residents to remember the 4Ds:
- Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or alternative.
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
- Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
- DRAIN standing water outside your home.
“We are so sad that the West Nile virus has claimed the life of a Longmont resident and our thoughts are with the family and friends mourning their loss,” said Joan Peck, Mayor of Longmont.
