More Cases Of West Nile Virus In New Mexico
DONA ANA, N.M. – The New Mexico State Department of Health has confirmedthree more human cases of West Nile Virus, two of them local, one in Dona Ana County and the other in Grant County.
A 51-year-old Dona Ana County woman was hospitalized with encephalitis, a 36-year-old Grant County man developed West Nile fever and a 57-year-old man living in Bernalillo County was admitted to a hospital with meningitis.
All three are currently recovering. Health officials remind residents there are ways to avoid mosquito infection of West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk through dawn so it is best to avoid being outdoors during these times.
Remove all standing water from the areas surrounding your home since mosquitoes often breed in these places. Turn empty plant pots over, sweep out puddling and even old tires can provide a haven for mosquitoes to reproduce and spread the virus. Repellants containing DEET have been shown to be effective in keeping biting insects away.
