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Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 17 September 2021 17 September 2021

SANTA FE-- The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has identified five cases of West Nile Virus infections in residents of Bernalillo, Doña Ana, and Taos County. This year, no West Nile Virus deaths have been reported.

Recent rains have resulted in areas of standing water, which make excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread the disease. Although there are no human vaccines for West Nile Virus, New Mexicans can take precautions to reduce their chances of contracting the disease.

To prevent bites and disease NMDOH recommends residents:

“West Nile virus can be a health concern anywhere in New Mexico,” said Department of Health Deputy Secretary Laura Parajón, M.D “Until colder weather takes hold, take precautions against mosquito bites wherever mosquitoes are active.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Other, more serious symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.

People 60 years and older and those with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease along with people who have had organ transplants are at higher risk of developing severe illness. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile Virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, about how to protect against West Nile virus, visit the West Nile Virus section of the NMDOH website.