A Loveland man was confirmed this week to be Larimer County’s first case of West Nile virus in 2014. The man did not need to be hospitalized and has recovered.
The man began to show symptoms in early August and it’s likely he was infected in late July.
The first confirmed case of West Nile is usually reported earlier than this year’s, some as early as June but most in July. However, the first infected mosquitoes were also later this year than usual and not trapped until the week of July 20.
West Nile Virus is a virus spread by mosquito bites. It can cause mild to serious illness, chronic disability and, rarely, death. It first came to the U.S. in 1999 and in 2003 it caused over 500 illnesses and 9 deaths in Larimer County.
Symptoms range from none to fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. A small number of people, (less than 1%) have symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis. They may have severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.