Colorado man battles for life after mosquito bite causes West Nile virus

In Colorado, residents face an alarming threat due to a spike in mosquito populations carrying the West Nile virus. In July 2025, officials in Northern Colorado detected a significant rise in infected mosquitoes, reporting infection rates 11 times higher than the historical average and four times higher than in 2023. The Fort Collins city government announced plans to conduct mosquito spraying on July 17 and July 20 to combat this concerning increase. The spraying will take place in specific neighborhoods, utilizing fogging trucks starting in the evening and continuing into the early morning hours. The urgency around this health crisis is underscored by the case of James Martinez, a 62-year-old Colorado man who is currently in intensive care after being bitten by a mosquito. His wife, Victoria Martinez, revealed that the episode began shortly after the couple celebrated their second anniversary with a family barbecue, during which they used citronella candles to deter insects. Despite these precautions, James began to feel flu-like symptoms days later, ultimately leading to his hospitalization, where doctors diagnosed him with West Nile virus. Victoria highlighted the severity of her husband's symptoms, noting a drastic decline in his health from fatigue to severe emotional and physical distress. Health officials have confirmed him as one of only two reported human cases of West Nile virus in Adams County this year. They caution that while most individuals infected with the virus may remain asymptomatic, approximately 20% develop flu-like symptoms while a small fraction suffer from severe illness that can be life-threatening. With mosquitoes showing increased infection rates, local authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions against bites. Health volunteers and officials are providing information and support to the community, emphasizing the need for vigilance against this often-overlooked health hazard. With both the spraying scheduled and public awareness campaigns underway, the hope is to reduce the risk of further infections and prevent tragic cases similar to that of James Martinez. Local health officials want to ensure that people, especially those over 60 or with existing medical conditions, are aware of the risks and seek immediate medical care if symptoms arise.