DENVER (KDVR) — Three people in Colorado have died of West Nile Virus in 2025, but officials are not yet sharing information about two.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports West Nile virus statistics on its website, alongside a wealth of other data. On Wednesday, the website showed there had been three deaths from West Nile virus and 41 cases across the state.
The counties with the highest case counts are, according to CDPHE:
- Weld County: 8 cases
- Boulder County: 7 cases
- Larimer County: 6 cases
- Adams County: 5 cases
- Jefferson County: 3 cases
On July 25, CDPHE reported that an adult in Lafayette had died from the virus. The agency said the individual was healthy, in their 80s and had no known pre-existing conditions.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the first West Nile virus-related death in our state this year. This tragic loss underscores the serious nature of this virus and why personal prevention is so vital,” said Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical officer at CDPHE, in the July 25 announcement. “I cannot stress enough the importance of taking simple, effective steps — like using repellent and draining standing water — to protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile virus infections.”
There are no known vaccines or medicines that prevent West Nile virus disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The best protection is prevention of mosquito bites.
Officials say the best way to protect yourself and loved ones is to:
- Use insect repellent with DEET or other EPA-registered insect repellents
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin
- Take steps to control mosquitoes outside and indoors
That last tip refers to ensuring there are adequate screens on windows and doors that will prevent the bugs from getting inside, and stopping mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.
The best way to do that is to check all water-holding basins outside — that includes the inside of discarded tires, pools, buckets, birdbaths, flower pots and other water-holding items — and dumping the water out and scrubbing the inside.
More information about mosquito prevention can be found here.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
