The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is reporting the first West Nile virus (WNV) death of a Larimer County resident this year. The Fort Collins adult passed away from neuroinvasive WNV.

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) is providing guidance due to the poor air quality from active wildfires in western Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality health advisory for the Front Range Urban Corridor, affecting everyone in Loveland, Fort Collins, and nearby locations. Health Officials are advising people in areas with visible smoke or odor to avoid outdoor exposure and reduce physical activity, both indoors and outdoors.

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is alerting residents that a rabid bat was recently found near the Equalizer Loop Trail in Loveland.

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.