LOCAL
West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in northeast Fort Collins
Kelly LyellFort Collins Coloradoan
July 30, 2026, 1:04 p.m. MT
- Mosquitoes in northeast Fort Collins have tested positive for West Nile virus.
- One human case of West Nile virus has been reported in Larimer County this year.
- Most people infected with the virus show no symptoms, but some may develop flu-like illness.
A sample of mosquitoes in northeast Fort Collins have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment reported July 30
There has been one human case of West Nile virus reported in Larimer County this year, the health department said in a news release. There were 53 human cases, the highest in at least five years, reported in Larimer County in 2025, county health department spokesperson Kori Solt told the Coloradoan previously
West Nile virus spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes and can pose serious health risks, Solt wrote in the July 30 news release, noting that most people infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms
About 1 in 5 people may develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. Symptoms can be more serious in about 1 in 150 infected people, the news release said, including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis
People ages 55 and over and those with health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, transplanted organs or taking medications that suppress the immune system are at higher risk of developing serious symptoms if they contract West Nile virus, the news release said
Recent rain has made created “ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes,” Tom Gonzales, executive director for the county health department said in the news release. He urged people to take simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites and drain standing water around their homes to lower their risk of infection
Recommended precautions include:
- Regular use of an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants for long walks, gardening and at other times while outside.
- Avoiding outdoor activities during peak biting times around dawn and dusk.
Larimer County began monitoring for West Nile virus risk during the first week in June and will closely monitor the virus’ prevalence through its peak season of July and August, in partnership with cities and towns, Colorado State University and a mosquito abatement company (Vector Disease Control International), the news release said
To stay informed about mosquito activity, residents can view the county’s West Nile virus Surveillance Dashboard online
Additional tips for protecting yourself from mosquito bites is available at www.larimer.gov/westnile
