Health officials with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment have confirmed the first reported case of West Nile virus in the county this year. The individual resides in Fort Collins, and is currently recovering. Earlier this week, the Health Department reported an increased risk of West Nile virus based on local mosquito trap data. Data are showing that there is a low overall abundance of mosquitoes, which has resulted in a higher proportion of infected mosquitoes. This means the risk of infection from a single mosquito bite is greater now compared to recent years.

Health officials are warning residents and visitors that the risk of West Nile virus is currently very high across Larimer County, and they are urging everyone to take steps now to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Mosquito trap data show that the vector index, which is a measure of how many mosquitoes are carrying West Nile virus, is over 1.0 in several areas of the county. That level is considered very high and signals a serious risk to public health.

A sample of the mosquito population in Larimer County tested positive for West Nile virus. They were found in the southeast area of Fort Collins. This marks the beginning of heightened risk for residents, especially as warmer weather leads to increased mosquito activity throughout the region. So far this year, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Larimer County.