2nd person dies from West Nile virus in El Paso

A second person in the El Paso area has died from the West Nile virus, according to the City of El Paso Department of Public Health.

The 75-year-old man lived in the 79915 zip code and had underlying health conditions.

“It is with great sadness that we must report the news of this man’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Bruce Parsons, Interim Public Health Director. We hope that this tragic report serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant in practicing personal protection in order to prevent the spread of this disease.”

There are currently 15 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in El Paso so far this year including two fatal cases. The other death was reported on Wednesday.

Patient Age Zip Code

Male 54 79935
Male 34 79912
Male 75 79915
Male 25 79936
Femal 81 79907
Male 80 79905
Male 77 79915
Male 53 79912
Male 68 79936
Male 71 79849
Male 57 79938
Female 47 79927
Male 49 79915
Male 60 79925
Female 85 79915

Education
In effort to increase awareness about the disease and ways the public can protect themselves, the Department has added a West Nile virus session to the list of
presentations offered by the Speakers Bureau. Local civic and community organizations can schedule a presentation that will include background on the disease, prevention methods, as well as what people can look out for in regards to signs and symptoms of infection. Presentations can be scheduled electronically or via telephone at:

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile Virus is to practice the four Ds:
use Insect repellents that contain DEET
Drain any standing water
Dress in long, loose and light-colored clothing and
take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from Dusk to Dawn.
To report standing water or mosquito breeding, call Environmental Services at
(915) 599-6290.

Symptoms
Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected
with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.