(2012) 2 more people die from West Nile virus in El Paso, including 25-year-old

The City of El Paso Department of Health announced Wednesday morning that a 68-year-old man and a 25-year-old man have both died of the West Nile virus.

Both men lived in the 79936 zip code.

“We want to express our condolences to the families of the two men who have succumbed to this disease. We must remember that West Nile continues to infect the citizens of El Paso. The seriousness of the disease is especially apparent in the death of this young man who battled the disease for several weeks,” said Bruce Parsons, Interim Director of Public Health.

Five people have died as a result of West Nile virus in El Paso so far this year.

In addition, the Department has also received confirmation of four more cases of the disease. They include two men who are in their twenties. A total of 27 people have been diagnosed with West Nile in 2012. The information on these patients is listed below.

Patient Age Zip Code

1. Male 54 79935

2. Male 34 79912

3. Male 75 79915 (deceased)

4. Male 25 79936 (deceased)

5. Female 81 79907

6. Male 80 79905

7. Male 77 79915 (deceased)

8. Male 53 79912

9. Male 68 79936 (deceased)

10. Male 71 79849

11. Male 57 79938

12. Female 47 79927

13. Male 49 79915

14. Male 60 79925

15. Female 85 79915

16. Female 59 79927

17. Female 62 79927

18. Male 47 79936

19. Female 72 79925

20. Female 67 79935 (deceased)

21. Female 48 79936

22. Female 56 79905

23. Male 5 79927

24. Male 50 79922 (new)

25. Male 66 79907 (new)

26. Male 26 79902 (new)

27. Male 22 79932 (new)

The Department of Public Health continues to advise residents to take the following precautions against West Nile virus by preventing mosquito bites.

• Use insect repellents that contain DEET

• Drain any standing water

• Dress in long, loose and light-colored clothing and

• Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from Dusk to Dawn.

Source: El Paso Department of Health