El Paso Man Dies From West Nile Virus

A 67-year-old man has died after he recently contracted the West Nile virus, according to the City of El Paso Dept. of Public Health.

The man lived in the 79935 zip code. He is the first fatality due to the West Nile virus this year.

He was recently listed as the 11th person diagnosed with the illness in the El Paso area.

“It is always difficult to share this type of news with the community, and our thoughts are certainly with this man’s family and friends as they deal with this loss” Michael Hill, Health Director, said in a news release.

In addition, the department has received word that West Nile Virus has been identified in five more individuals. They are:

-37-year-old female who resides in the 79912 zip code

-70-year-old female who resides in the 79836 zip code

-62-year-old male who resides in the 79930 zip code

-79-year-old male who resides in the 79902 zip code

-53-year-old male who resides in the 79934 zip code

The total number of identified cases stands at 24 so far this year.

Health department officials said the public should take note that there is no way to positively determine where these individuals contracted the disease and precautions should be taken even if a person does not reside in the areas listed above. The department is asking that the community do their part to protect themselves from West Nile by observing the following recommendations:

-Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid outdoor activities during these times.

-Dress – If you are outside, cover up by wearing pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks.

-Drain standing water on the ground, water in tires, plastic containers, cans, kiddie pools, pet water bowls or any other type of container that can hold water. Mosquitoes can lay their egg in very little water.

-DEET – Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (chemical name N,N-diethyl-metatolumide). Be sure to follow the instructions for use on the container.

Other tips:

-Check window and door screens and repair any holes. Make sure door seals are secure.

-Do not over-irrigate your farmland or property as this allows water to stagnate and mosquitoes to breed.

To report mosquito breeding, call the Code Compliance Division of the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department at 599-6290. Additional information is available by clicking the West Nile Virus link on the Health Department homepage at www.elpasotexas.gov/health