First 2023 West Nile death in Weld County 

The first death in 2023 connected to the West Nile Virus has been reported in Weld County, according to the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment.

A 53-year-old Weld resident was hospitalized with the virus before the infection became fatal — an outcome that only affects 1% of people infected, according to a Weld County release.

Wile Nile Virus is contracted from infected mosquitoes and is considered an endemic in Colorado, the release said. The health department anticipates more infections in people, but noted that 80% of infected people do not develop symptoms.

Those that are infected can develop symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, weakness and rash within two to 14 days after the infection, the release said. There are currently no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus.

Weld County officials encouraged residents to drain standing water near their homes weekly, avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn, and wear mosquito repellent and long sleeves and pants in areas where mosquitoes are active.

More information can be found at www.weld.gov/go/zoonosis.