First West Nile death confirmed in Colorado

A Lafayette adult died of West Nile virus in what officials say is the first such death in Colorado this year.

Lafayette adult becomes first Coloradan to die from West Nile this year

A Lafayette adult has died from the West Nile virus, marking Colorado's first death attributed to the virus in 2023. Both the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Boulder County Public Health confirmed the fatality. The exact timing of the death has not been disclosed. Currently, Colorado has recorded nine cases of West Nile across eight counties including Boulder and Adams. Health officials have noted that mosquitoes in eight counties have tested positive for the virus, raising concern about potential outbreaks. Dr. Ned Calonge, the chief medical officer at CDPHE, expressed sadness over the death and emphasized the importance of prevention measures to protect against the virus.

The confirmation of the first West Nile death this year reflects a troubling trend and amplifies public health concerns regarding mosquito-borne diseases. In 2023, Colorado has already seen significantly more cases than last year, making preventive strategies more crucial. The rise in infections, paired with the state’s warning to the public, highlights that despite the absence of deaths in 2022, the threat still looms large. Given that the virus primarily affects older adults, targeted outreach and education could help mitigate risk in vulnerable populations as warmer months continue to create ideal conditions for mosquito activity.

Highlights

This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases during warmer months.