West Nile virus spreading in Colorado

Colorado health officials say the West Nile virus is spreading in Colorado.

Longmont will soon begin citywide spraying and Boulder County Public Health plans to have its own contractor. The town of Erie is also expanding its efforts.

The state health department said the first case of a person becoming ill with the mosquito-borne disease this year was reported earlier this month in Delta County.

Human infections can occur without symptoms or can cause mild or severe illness, fever and aches. Infections can also lead to chronic disability and even death.

Last year Colorado reported 131 cases of West Nile, with five deaths. Colorado’s peak year for the mosquito-borne disease was in 2003, when 2,847 cases and 63 deaths were reported.