First case of West Nile Virus reported in New Mexico

The first case of West Nile Virus was reported in New Mexico last week, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

The disease was diagnosed in a Union County resident, according to an Aug. 6 news release from the state health department. That person's name was not given to the media, but the New Mexico Department of Health said they were recovering at home and hospitalization was not needed.

While this is the first case in the state, the disease has found its way to 26 other states and killed seven people so far in 2024.

West Nile Virus claims lives across US

On Aug. 8, a woman in her 50s from Dallas County, Texas died of West Nile Virus. She was one of several people diagnosed with the disease as that county reported high numbers of mosquito pools following regional storms that resulted in still water collections.

According to CDC data, seven people have died of the disease. A California man and an Oklahoma resident died of the virus in July.

More: Oklahoma officials report state's first West Nile case, death of 2024

The CDC reported 103 people in 26 states have contracted West Nile Virus, and 68 developed the neuroinvasive form of the disease.

Historic data from the CDC shows there have been more than 59,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths since 1999, when West Nile was first introduced in the U.S. The same data shows that in New Mexico 785 cases were reported in that time period.

Just two cases were reported in Doña Ana County in 2023 . None have been reported so far in 2024.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in the continental U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In New Mexico, mosquitos of the genus Culex are the primary carriers. The mosquito bites an infected bird, and then carries the virus to its human prey . West Nile Virus is not spread from person to person.

Prevent infection by eliminating mosquito bite risk

“Preventing mosquito bites is our first line of defense against West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMHealth. “Protect yourself and your loved ones by using insect repellent and eliminating standing water.”

Ways recommended to prevent exposure include:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you 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.
• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate 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.

No medication or treatments to prevent human infection.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: First case of West Nile Virus reported in New Mexico