DENVER (KDVR) — The first human death of West Nile virus this year in Colorado was confirmed on Friday.

In a press release to FOX31, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Boulder County Public Health said that the death was of an adult in Lafayette.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the first West Nile virus-related death in our state this year. This tragic loss underscores the serious nature of this virus and why personal prevention is so vital,” said Dr. Ned Calonge, Chief Medical Officer at CDPHE. “I cannot stress enough the importance of taking simple, effective steps — like using repellant and draining standing water — to protect yourself and your loved ones from West Nile virus infections.”

West Nile virus has been found in mosquito tests in eight of the 16 counties that have tested for it, including:

Adams

Arapahoe

Boulder

Broomfield

Denver

Jefferson

Larimer

Weld

There is no word yet on the name of the adult or age, however, FOX31 has reached out to CDPHE.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.