Fifth case of West Nile Virus confirmed in El Paso

A fifth case of the West Nile Virus was confirmed in El Paso by the Department of Public Health.

The El Paso man diagnosed is in his late 40’s and lives in West El Paso. Officials said he does have underlying meidcal conditions.

“It is not too late to start taking West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases seriously,” said Lead Epidemiologist Fernando Gonzalez.

With recent rain in the Borderland, officials encourage residents to remener using the the 4 D’s:

— DEET – Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
— DRESS – When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
— DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with Zika can be active throughout the day, residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
— DRAIN – Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around and outside your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, call 2-1-1.