Boulder County reports first human case of West Nile virus in 2024

DENVER (KDVR) — Boulder County Public Health reported its first human case of West Nile virus for this year.

In a press release, the county said it received the first report on Aug. 16 and said the person, who lives in Longmont, is currently in the hospital and was likely bit by a mosquito at home.

The virus was confirmed to be in Boulder County mosquitoes near Longmont in mid-July.

So far, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports that 13 people have been affected by the virus so far this year. Seven people have been hospitalized, and five were affected with neurologic symptoms.

Boulder is historically one of the counties with the most people affected by West Nile virus since it first became reportable in 2003, according to CDPHE.

Since 2003, there have been 1,064 cases in Larimer County, 913 in Weld County and 886 in Boulder County. Those counties historically have significantly more cases than others in the state, with the next highest being 476 in Adams County, according to CDPHE data.

Preventing West Nile virus

West Nile virus can cause debilitating illness in 20% of those infected, and there is no treatment for it, the Boulder County website states. The county recommends following the four Ds : DEET, dress, dusk/dawn and drain.

DEET

The county recommends using insect repellent containing at least 10% DEET and says to consider using repellent with 10% to 30% DEET during the evening, overnight and early morning hours. The county lists these tips for insect repellent use:

• DEET is not recommended for children under 2 months of age.
• Do not apply DEET directly to children or to their hands. Instead, apply it to your own hands and then put it on the child.
• Apply DEET sparingly on exposed skin; do not apply under clothing.
• Do not use DEET over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Wash all treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.

Dress

Boulder County said wearing long sleeves, long pants and long socks can help protect from mosquito bites while outside during evening, overnight and early morning hours.

Dusk and dawn

Mosquitoes are most active and most likely to bite between dusk and dawn.

“During the daytime, females normally rest in cooler vegetated areas where the humidity is higher, and they are protected from drying out. Females will often bite in the daytime if humans or animals invade the wooded areas where they are resting,” Boulder County said on the website.

The county recommends taking extra precautions, including reducing or eliminating outdoor activity, between dusk and dawn.

Drain

Because mosquitoes thrive and breed around standing water, Boulder County recommends regularly removing standing water around your home or property. This might include disposing of containers that hold water, draining and clearing out gutters, draining water from pool covers, keeping pools clean, changing the water in bird baths and turning over wading pools and wheelbarrows.

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