New Mexico reports first cases of West Nile virus in 2018

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports that the first two human cases of West Nile virus infection in 2018 were confirmed in a 43-year-old man from San Juan County and a 71-year-old woman from Doña Ana County. Both cases required hospitalization.

Mosquito populations continue to grow after weeks of rain across the state. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, where hundreds of mosquitoes can emerge at the same time and it is enough to bite an infected mosquito so that a person gets sick.

Last year, there were 33 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in New Mexico, including one fatal case. In 2016, there were six confirmed cases of West Nile virus in New Mexico.

West Nile virus is regularly transmitted by mosquitoes throughout the state and in some cases it can be deadly. People aged 50 and older are more likely to have serious consequences of West Nile virus infection and must be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites.

Reduce your chances of getting mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit to you by following these steps:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you go out and be sure to follow the instructions on the label. From EPAThe approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridine, IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus / para-menthane-diol oil.
• Regularly drain stagnant water, including water collected in empty cans, tires, buckets, gutters and saucers clogged under potted plants. Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus breed in places as small as a stagnant water bottle plug.
• 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 prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

"West Nile virus can be a health problem all over New Mexico until the first frost in your area" said Secretary of the Department of Health Lynn Gallagher. "Until the cold weather settles, take precautions against mosquito bites wherever mosquitoes are active."

As of 4 September 2018, 45 states and the District of Columbia reported West Nile virus infections in humans, birds or mosquitoes in 2018. A total of 559 cases of West Nile virus been reported to the CDC. Of these, 312 (56%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 247 (44%) were classified as non neuroinvasive disease.