A resident of La Plata County recently died of West Nile virus – the second fatality from the mosquito-borne virus in Colorado this year.
A news release from San Juan Basin Public Health did not clarify exactly when the person died or any other details about them.
The state’s first case of West Nile virus was reported in the county last month, and the first death in the state occurred in Weld County in early August. This is the fifth case to be reported in the SJBPH district this year.
The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, which become carriers of the virus after feeding on infected birds.
Most people infected with mosquito-borne viruses don’t get sick, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In the rare occurrence that someone does become ill, symptoms can appear anywhere from two days to 14 days after the mosquito bite.
There is no treatment or preventive vaccine for West Nile virus.
Public health officials remind residents to protect themselves by using insect repellents, limiting outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, and wearing long-sleeved garments. People ages 60 and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for serious illness, officials warn.
Colorado has had reported cases of the virus every year since 2002. La Plata County has had 63 cases in the last 20 years.
Case counts typically peak in September, and state officials are worried about the numbers recorded this year.
“The trends we are seeing in our West Nile virus tracking data are unprecedented,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy in a news release. “The number of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes we’ve detected this season is the highest we’ve seen in years.”
rschafir@durangoherald.com.
