New Mexico Announces First West Nile Virus Of Season In Dona Ana County
SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Health announced on Wednesday that an 80-year-old man from Dona Ana County is the state’s first West Nile Virus death of the 2007 season.
Two more individuals have tested positive for West Nile Virus infection also, bringing the total for the state to 21 so far.
“We extend our sympathies to the man’sfamily and friends who grieving for their loss,” said Health Secretary, Dr. Alfredo Vigil. “It’s important to remember that older adults are more susceptible to developing serious complications from West Nile and they need to be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites.”
The newest cases include a 67-year-old man from Dona Ana County with West Nile Fever who is recovering and a 65-year-old man from Sierra County with West Nile meningitis who remains hospitalized at this time.
Common West Nile symptoms are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. About four out of five people who are infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms at all. In very rare cases, about one in 150, people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis.
Severe symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, tremors, and convulsions. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their health care provider. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus.
