3 people, 1 horse diagnosed with West Nile in NM
Three New Mexicans were diagnosed with West Nile virus infection this week.
Two were 75- and 60-year old women from Dona Ana County and the other was a 76-year-old man from Valencia County. All three were hospitalized for neuroinvasive disease, the more serious form of the illness.
A horse from Valencia county was also diagnosed with the virus and is recovering.
"August and September are typically when we see the highest number of West Nile virus cases in both people and horses in New Mexico," said Department of Health Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. "However, the mosquito populations are very high this year because of the extensive rainfall in many areas of the state."
A 12-year-old girl from Valencia County was diagnosed with West Nile virus infection in April and recovered.
The Department of Health identified 24 cases of the virus in 2014, with one fatality.
To reduce the chances of a mosquito bite that can transmit West Nile virus, people should:
- Use an approved insect repellent every time they go outside and follow the instructions on the label. Among the EPA-approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol
- Regularly drain standing water, including water collecting in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants. Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus breed in stagnant water
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home