2 New Cases Of West Nile Found In El Paso

Two new cases of West Nile virus – the third and fourth overall cases this year – have been identified in El Paso County.

The third patient is a 34-year-old female who resides in the 79849 zip code. The fourth is a 78-year-old female who resides within the 79936 zip code.

The El Paso Dept. of Health is reminding residents in the area that the potential for West Nile exists throughout our region. The public should not assume that if they do not reside in this area or nearby, they do not need to take precautions against the disease. Furthermore, there is no way of positively determining that the disease was contracted in the area of where the patients reside.

Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with other diseases that mosquitoes can carry. The 4 D’s are ways to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding.

Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid outdoor activities during these times. Dress – If you are outside, cover up by wearing pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Drain standing water on the ground, water in tires, plastic containers, cans, kiddie pools or any other type of container that can hold water. Mosquitoes can lay their egg in very little water. DEET – Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (chemical name N,N-diethyl-metatolumide). Be sure to follow the instructions for use on the container. Other tips:

Check window and door screens and repair any holes. Make sure door seals are secure. Do not over-irrigate your farmland or property as this allows water to stagnate and mosquitoes to breed.

Additional information can be found by clicking the West Nile Virus link on the Health Department homepage at www.elpasotexas.gov/health