Montrose County Reports First West Nile Virus Death of the Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2026
Contact: Erika Story, Montrose County Communications Director
estory@montrosecounty.net, (970) 417-8711
Montrose County Reports First West Nile Virus Death of the Season
MONTROSE, Colo. – Montrose County Public Health is reporting the first West Nile Virus-related death of the 2026 season in Montrose County. The death, reported September 8, involved an 83-year-old Montrose County woman.
Montrose County Public Health extends its condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. To date, four cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Montrose County this season.
“This is a sad reminder that West Nile Virus can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults and those at higher risk for complications,” said Jacqueline Davis, Public Health Director for Montrose County. “We encourage residents to continue taking precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.”
West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Adults over 60 and individuals with certain underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe complications. Anyone experiencing severe headaches, confusion or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention.
Montrose County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment encourage residents to continue taking precautions while mosquitoes remain active.
To protect yourself:
- Use insect repellent when outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol provide protection when used according to label instructions.
- Limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are most active.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks in areas where mosquitoes are active.
To reduce mosquitoes around your home:
- Drain standing water at least once a week from tires, cans, flowerpots, gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, toys and other areas where water collects.
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
- Use mosquito dunks in ponds or other standing water where mosquitoes may breed.
Montrose County Public Health is offering free mosquito repellent wipes and mosquito dunks to residents while supplies last. Both are available at Montrose County Public Health, 1845 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose.
For additional information about West Nile Virus and current data, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s West Nile Virus webpage. The state updates its West Nile Virus data each Wednesday.
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