El Paso sees first 2 deaths of 2021 from West Nile virus

EL PASO, Texas — Health officials have confirmed the first deaths due to West Nile virus in El Paso this year.

The El Paso Department of Public Health announced Thursday evening that two men, both in his 80s, died after the virus infected their nervous systems.

So far this year in El Paso, there have been 13 cases of West Nile involving El Pasoans in ages ranging from their 40s to 80’s. Aside from the two deaths, officials said the other 11 people infected have recovered. The very first case of West Nile in El Paso was reported in early September, the others have been reported since that point.

“The community needs to take into account that for most people a mosquito bite is a nuisance, but for others it can be very serious if the patient has medical conditions that impair their immune system’s ability to fight infection if the mosquito is carrying a disease like West Nile,” said Angela Mora, the health department director. “As long as we still have mosquitoes biting in El Paso, the threat of disease continues to be present.”

Most people infected with West Nile don’t have any symptoms, while about 1 in 5 experience flu-like symptoms - which can include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches.

Fewer than 1% of infected people develop serious neurological problems such as encephalitis or meningitis, health officials said.

People age 60 or older and those with diabetes or hypertension are at higher risk of getting sick and developing complications, health leaders indicated.

The El Paso health department is asking El Pasoans to follow preventive measures to prevent getting bitten by a mosquito and help slow the spread of mosquito-breeding:

• Keep your skin covered up as best as possible outside by wearing long sleeve clothing.
• Use insect repellent with DEET in it.
• Avoid outside activities during dusk or dawn, the peak hours of mosquitos.
• Check for any standing water outside your home and drain it.
• Mosquito-proof your home by installing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos out.

To report large amounts of standing water that may be used for mosquito breeding, residents can call (915) 212-6000 or dial 311. For more information and tips, officials said El Pasoans can visit EPHealth.com and click on the 'Be Climate Ready' tab.