An El Paso County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first human case in the county in a year when the disease broke out earlier than usual.

Despite the earlier outbreak, data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows the state is still below its five-year average in terms of diagnosed cases.

Last year, Colorado was hit hard by the virus, with 631 confirmed cases in 40 counties. Nearly 400 people were hospitalized and 51 people died, more than any other state in the U.S.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and most people infected do not show symptoms. However, according to the El Paso County Health Department, one in five people develop flu-like symptoms that can become severe, especially in people over 60 and those with other medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Due to recent rainfall, the county health department expects mosquito activity to increase in the coming weeks. Mosquitoes breed in standing water.

Last year, there were 51 cases of West Nile virus in El Paso County, the highest number since 2003, when the state first began collecting data. This year, 151 people have tested positive and 66 people have died across the state.

So far this year, Arapahoe and Weld counties have reported the most human cases, with three cases each, according to CDPHE.

The following recommendations are given to prevent the West Nile virus:

• Use of insect repellents such as DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil
• Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Regularly drain standing water from areas around the house, such as birdbaths and pet water bowls.