ALAMOSA — The second human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the San Luis Valley for 2023, was recently reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Last month the first case in the Valley was recorded and at the time, Alamosa County Interim Public Health Director Beverly Strnad said, "We know that West Nile virus is here because our mosquito testing found positive mosquito pools for several weeks. The testing went from a couple of pools testing positive to suddenly a couple of weeks later it was multiple pools testing positive."

The number of deaths from West Nile virus in Colorado as of Sept. 5 is 13, a number up from 11 reported about two weeks ago, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). In the last two weeks, the number of reported cases has nearly doubled to 208. The number of hospitalizations has also jumped to 113.

"The trends we are seeing in our West Nile virus tracking data are unprecedented," said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE in a statement last month. "The number of West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes we've detected this season is the highest we've seen in years.” Herlihy added that August and September are when human cases peak in Colorado.

While most people infected with West Nile virus don't have symptoms, some can develop a serious, potentially deadly illness. In 2022, Colorado had 206 reported human cases of West Nile virus, including 20 deaths. People aged 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. It is advised to check with a healthcare provider if you develop a fever with severe headaches or confusion.

The cities and counties reporting the most cases are Larimer 29, Denver 28, Weld 28, and Adams 20. The average age of those affected is 57, with 70 females and 138 males contracting the virus.

Public health officials are warning people to continue taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, as this is the time of year when the virus is most likely.

As mosquito season continues, CDPHE officials recommend taking the following steps to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus:

• Limiting activities outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active.
• Using an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol.
• Eliminate sources of standing water near your home, which can become a breeding ground for the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus.
• Mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.

If you think you or a family member is sick with West Nile virus, consult a health care provider, especially if you develop a fever with severe headache or confusion following a mosquito bite.