Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Bernalillo County

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in Bernalillo County, increasing the risk that people in the area could contract the virus.

The City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County operate a joint mosquito control program, providing surveillance and treatment services across Bernalillo County. The infected mosquitoes were collected via routine monitoring at locations near the Rio Grande. The University of New Mexico Center for Global Health performed testing and confirmation.

“We’ve been working with several partners statewide, including the City of Albuquerque, on trapping and testing for mosquito-borne illnesses as an early warning system to alert the public,” said Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “We are urging residents to take precautions now to avoid mosquito bites in Bernalillo County and statewide.”

“While mosquitoes are not currently widespread due to dry conditions, we continue to see them concentrated in wet areas,” said Nick Pederson, City of Albuquerque Urban Biology division manager. “As we enter the monsoon season, we are asking residents to check their yards and neighborhoods for standing water that could become a mosquito breeding source.”

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in New Mexico so far in 2026. There were 52 cases last year with 11 deaths.

Mosquitoes with West Nile virus can pass the virus to humans and other animals, including birds and horses, through a bite. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not necessarily develop any symptoms: however, people age 50 years and older and those with other health issues are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying of the virus.

Symptoms can include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. In less than one percent of people a more serious infection can happen with symptoms including neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis, even leading to death.

Reduce your risk of mosquito bites and the chances of West Nile:

• 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.
• Check for water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, empty cans, and other unneeded outdoor items that can hold water.
• Drain the water in birdbaths, wading pools, and saucers under potted plants weekly.
• Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.
• Keep windows and doors closed if not screened. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.

New Mexico residents with questions about West Nile virus can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).

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Se detectan mosquitos portadores del virus del Nilo Occidental en el condado de Bernalillo