14th case of West Nile virus confirmed in El Paso

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health says a man in his early 60s is the latest confirmed person to have West Nile virus, bringing the city’s total this year to 14 cases.

The department said Wednesday that the latest victim of the mosquito-borne illness is currently recovering at home.

Symptoms of West Nile virus may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle weakness or swollen lymph nodes.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not spread person to person. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds.

The city’s lead epidemiologist, Frenando Gonzalez says the most effective way of preventing West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

“We are seeing more rainy weather and there is no reason to think that mosquitoes are no longer a threat,” he explained.

Officials say residents should remove standing water near their homes and use repellents “from dawn to dusk” when outdoors.