West Nile virus is a disease that spreads through mosquito bites. It is common in Colorado and occurs every year. The largest outbreak of West Nile virus in Colorado occurred in 2003, with over 2,800 reported cases and 63 deaths. Some people who became seriously ill are still recovering and some have permanent disabilities. Infected mosquitoes have been found in Larimer County every year since then.
Zika virus was initially discovered in 1947 when the Rockefeller Foundation was conducting research on Jungle Yellow Fever in Rhesus Monkeys. The virus earns its’ name from the Zika Forest located in Uganda where the study was taking place. In 1952, Zika virus was discovered in humans both in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Microcephaly
The biggest concern with Zika virus is the connection to the virus in pregnant women and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly. Learn more on CDC's website.
Please note: Information about Zika virus is constantly changing as researchers learn more about it. For the latest information visit cdc.gov/zika.
In Colorado, rodents and other animals may become infected with plague and die. Their fleas may then bite another animal or person and transmit the infection.
Plague is a severe bacterial infection characterized by the abrupt onset of high fever, chills, malaise, myalgia, nausea, and weakness. There are three main clinical forms of plague:
Low, but present in certain areas
Plague is present in some rodent populations in the northern regions of Larimer County, specifically the Livermore, Red Feather and Cherokee Park areas. However, human cases are incredibly rare in Larimer County.
The last Larimer County resident infected was in 2015. Prior to that, the last confirmed case was in 1999, but a Weld County resident camping in Larimer County in 2004 was likely infected in the Red Feather Lakes area.
Communicable diseases are contagious illnesses that can be spread from person-to-person, through contact with animals or insects, or through contaminated food or water. The Communicable Disease staff work to detect, investigate, manage and prevent communicable diseases and disease outbreaks. Staff collects, analyzes and reports disease data, and provides public health consultation and education for health care providers and the public.
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