The New Mexico Department of Health reports a Valencia County man is the first death in 2023 linked to West Nile virus in the state.
According to a press release from NMDOH, 36 human cases were confirmed this year across the state through the end of August, but this is the first case that resulted in death.
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, which are most active during dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes can multiply with or without rain, using stagnant water from everyday sources such as plant watering and irrigation. They can also breed in small containers around homes that have sitting water.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. The disease can vary in severity and is typically spread to people from the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infections go unnoticed while others cause flu-like symptoms. The most severe cases cause neuroinvasive disease which affects the brain and nervous system and can result in death.
Infections have been confirmed in residents of Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Lea, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Taos, Torrance, Union and Valencia counties. The virus has also been identified in 16 horses and two birds from Colfax, Doña Ana, Los Alamos, McKinley, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Sierra, Torrance, Union and Valencia counties.
Symptoms of the milder form of illness, West Nile fever, can include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People with West Nile fever typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for weeks to months. Symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease can include those of West Nile fever plus neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile infections in humans. People 50 years and older and those with other health issues are at highest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying when they become infected with the virus.
If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their health care provider.
NMDOH recommends protecting yourself from infection in the following ways:
- 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.
- 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.
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- 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.
For more information about West Nile virus, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, visit NMDOH’s West Nile webpage.
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 25, 2024
