New Mexicans test positive for West Nile virus

SANTA FE – A Bernalillo County woman in her 70’s and an Otero County man in his 30’s have tested positive for West Nile virus, the New Mexico Department of Health reports.

The woman is currently hospitalized; the man is recovering at home.

“West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause severe illness in people, horses, and birds,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “It is important to protect yourselves from mosquito bites, particularly during summer months.”

NMDOH, in partnership with other agencies including Bernalillo County, the City of Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico, and New Mexico State University has recently increased mosquito surveillance, including trapping and disease testing. This enhanced monitoring will enable communities and people to take precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Protection measures include:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. EPA-approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol.  
• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.  
• Remove or empty any items that hold water, such as old tires or cans. Drain birdbaths, wading pools, and plant saucers weekly. 
• Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.  
• If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.

For more information about preventing mosquito bites, visit the CDC’s website.

Symptoms of West Nile virus can include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue.  Most people experience very mild illness or have no symptoms. However, about 1% of people have a more serious infection with symptoms including neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

There are no medications to treat West Nile virus and no vaccines to prevent infections in humans. People of ages 50 years and older and those with other health issues are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying when they become infected with the virus.

Over the last five years, New Mexico has averaged 41 cases per year of West Nile virus.

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Residentes de Nuevo México dan positivo al virus del Nilo Occidental