First West Nile Case of 2025 Hits Laramie County as Mosquito Activity Ramps Up

West Nile virus is back for the season.

Health officials just confirmed the state’s first case of 2025, found in a Laramie County adult who started showing neurological symptoms linked to the virus earlier this month, according to Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health.

The culprit? Mosquitoes — specifically, the Culex tarsalis variety — are on the move as summer heats up and the rains keep coming. And they’re bringing West Nile with them.

The City of Laramie just confirmed six more sites where infected mosquitoes have been found, adding to the growing list. Plus, two infected birds have already tested positive this year, another sign the virus is spreading.

“We’re seeing more and more mosquito activity right now, so we’re urging folks to take this seriously,” said Kathy Emmons, Executive Director of Cheyenne Laramie County Public Health. “It’s better to stay ahead of it than try to deal with the aftermath.”

In most healthy adults, West Nile virus doesn’t cause major symptoms. But for some, it can bring on fever, headaches, body aches, rashes — and in rare cases, it can even be life-threatening.

Health officials are reminding residents to use bug spray, wear long sleeves, and avoid standing water where mosquitoes breed. Basically, be smart about staying bite-free this summer.

For more info, check out the CDC’s West Nile page.

The original story by Garrett Grochowski for County 17.