1st Human West Nile Case Of Season Reported In Boulder County

LONGMONT, CO — A West Nile case has been confirmed in Boulder County, public health officials announced Wednesday.

A Longmont resident contracted the virus, marking the first human case this season in the county, officials said.

The virus is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infections are mild, the more serious infections can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and/or meningitis (inflammation of the brain's lining), loss of vision, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions and death, Boulder County Public Health said.

There is no treatment, cure or human vaccination for the virus. Health care providers can only treat the symptoms to help patients feel better and possibly recover more quickly, officials said.

“No matter where you live, now is the time to be proactive in protecting yourselves and your family from West Nile Virus,” said Marshall Lipps, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist. “Prevention is key with WNV, so we urge residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”

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Symptoms of the virus include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, body aches, and occasionally can also include skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. Generally, symptoms appear three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their health care providers, public health officials said.

Historically, most human cases are reported in August and September. Transmission risk is estimated to be high and all residents are encouraged to take personal protective precautions:

1. Use DEET-enhanced insect repellent or any other CDC approved repellent.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.

Visit this Boulder County website or call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911 for more information about West Nile Virus and prevention. To report nuisance mosquitoes, click on “Mosquito Complaints” in the “What you Can Do” section on the website.