13 West Nile Virus Deaths in Colorado

While West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in thirty-six states in 2023, Colorado is experiencing its worst outbreak in five years.

As of September 1, 2023, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported that 13 people have died this year from WNV infection.

Additionally, 113 people have been hospitalized with WNV.

In 2022, Colorado reported 20 WNV deaths. 

The abundance of the disease-carrying Culex mosquitoes in 2023 is likely due to the high level of precipitation last winter and spring.

“The trends we are seeing in our West Nile virus tracking data are unprecedented,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE, in a press release on August 4, 2023.

While most people infected with West Nile virus don’t have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. People aged 60 and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious disease.

Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for UCHealth, offered messages for people who are spending time outdoors and for those who may be feeling sick.

Protect yourself to avoid getting mosquito bites.

And, if you are feeling sick and suspect you might have West Nile virus, seek help from a doctor immediately.

“If your infection progresses to the point where you are having persistent headaches, confusion, any kind of muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, you need to be seen by a doctor as quickly as possible,” Barron said.

Barron offered answers to questions about WNV on September 1, 2023.

As of August 29, 2023, 455 human WNV cases and 315 Neuroinvasive Human Disease (meningitis or encephalitis) patients have been confirmed by the U.S. CDC. Furthermore, there are no approved West Nile virus vaccines in 2023.