Seventh case of West Nile Virus reported in El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The City of El Paso is warning residents of the threats of mosquito bites as the seventh case of the potentially deadly virus has been detected in the community.

The Department of Public Health confirmed the latest case of the Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) disease in a man in his 50s. According to the city, the man lives in the Socorro area and developed the more serious version of the disease affecting the central nervous system. He is currently recovering in the hospital.

“This disease is extremely dangerous and can lead to potential complications, disability or even death,” said City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza in a release. “With the recent rain, the public should continue to be careful and decrease the risk of getting infected with WNV by practicing the four Ds to prevent mosquito bites.”

The City is urging people across the area to take precaustions and use the four Ds of prevention, with stand for:

• DEET – Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone when outdoors. Follow label directions.
  
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Apply repellent to clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through thin fabrics.
  
• DUSK and DAWN – Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.
  
• DRAIN – Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet bowls, discarded tires, birdbaths, and other containers. Refresh pet water daily.

According to the Department of Public Health, symptoms of West Nile infection include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands. Eight out of 10 people infected with the WNV will not develop symptoms. However, 1 in 5 people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness that includes a fever and other symptoms such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system and about 1 out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal.

Other prevention methods include installing or repairing window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside. Standing water or mosquito breeding sites can be reported by calling (915) 212-6000 or 311. For more information and tips from the City, visit EPHealth.com and select the Be Climate Ready tab.