Campers beware – 51 people were killed by Colorado’s deadliest animal last year

Colorado is full of animals that kill people. Black Bearmountain lions, rattlesnakes, bison, moose, and even Bighorn SheepHere are a few examples: Admittedly, fatalities from these animals are extremely rare, but encounters with these species nevertheless tend to attract the most attention. That being said, Colorado’s most dangerous species is the opposite: it feeds on human blood to survive, killing dozens of Coloradans last year alone.

That’s right: mosquitoes are by far the most dangerous animal in Colorado, killing 229 people since 2003. These pesky creatures are tiny, but their bites can be deadly.

In 2023, Colorado recorded 634 cases of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, including 51 deaths. The mortality rate was 8%, the highest death toll since 2003, a record year with 66 deaths. It is also worth noting that 386 people were hospitalized in connection with the virus last year. The number of deaths in 2023 was far higher than the average number of deaths over the past 10 years (7.7 deaths per year).

While 2024 is off to a moderate start in terms of deaths and hospitalizations from West Nile Virus, the risk is still something to be taken lightly while spending time outdoors in Colorado. The latest reports show there are already seven cases, four of which have been hospitalized. It is also important to remember that cases don’t usually ramp up until this time of year, usually peaking in mid-to-late August.

This information is not meant to instill fear. After all, most people bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus may not even realize they are infected with the virus. That said, people over 60 and those with certain medical conditions are more likely to face severe symptoms after infection, which can even lead to death.

With West Nile Virus spreading in Colorado and locals spending more time outdoors, it’s important that everyone takes steps to stay safe while enjoying outdoor recreation.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or paramenthanediol when spending time outdoors. Coloradans are also encouraged to avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing clothing that covers exposed skin is also an effective preventative measure.

The first noticeable symptoms of West Nile virus tend to be a severe headache and confusion, so if you experience these symptoms, see your health care provider right away.

See a county-by-county breakdown of Colorado’s West Nile virus cases here.