Colorado Reports First West Nile Virus Fatality of 2025; Health Officials Issue Warnings
Health authorities in Colorado have confirmed the state’s first reported death attributed to west Nile virus (WNV) for the 2025 season. The announcement serves as a critical reminder for residents to remain vigilant against mosquito bites, the primary vector for the virus.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause neurological disease and,in rare cases,death. While manny infected individuals experience no symptoms, a subset can develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In more severe cases, individuals may experience encephalitis or meningitis, leading to disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
Public health officials emphasize that the most effective way to prevent WNV infection is to avoid mosquito bites. They recommend using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity, typically from dusk to dawn.
Additionally,residents are urged to take steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes. This includes emptying standing water from containers such as bird baths, flowerpots, and clogged gutters. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and eliminating these breeding grounds can considerably reduce local mosquito populations.
The West nile virus season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak transmission frequently enough occurring in August and September. The current fatality underscores the ongoing importance of public awareness and preventative measures as the season progresses.
