West Nile Virus Cases in New Mexico to Date

OEM News:

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease. Human cases of the disease have been reported every year in New Mexico since 2003. August and September are peak times for West Nile cases in New Mexico.

New Human Cases in New Mexico by County:

Six new cases have been reported since Aug. 29, bringing the total for this year to 14 cases:

  • 78-year-old man from Dona Ana County. Uncomplicated Fever
  • 59-year-old man from Lea County. Uncomplicated Fever
  • 79-year-old man from Sandoval County. Encephalitis/Meningitis
  • 9-year-old boy from Dona Ana County. Encephalitis/Meningitis
  • 72-year-old man from Dona Ana County. Encephalitis/Meningitis
  • 56-year-old woman from Bernalillo County. Uncomplicated Fever

Deaths by County:

No deaths have been reported in 2012 due to West Nile Virus.

Total Human Cases by County:

  • Bernalillo County: 5 cases; 63 year old man Encephalitis/Meningitis; 58 year old woman Encephalitis/Meningitis; 55 year old man, uncomplicated fever; 76 year old man Encephalitis/Meningitis; 56 year old woman Uncomplicated Fever
  • Curry County: 1 case; 32 year old man, uncomplicated fever.
  • Dona Ana County: 5 cases; 54 year old man Encephalitis/Meningitis; 76 year old man Encephalitis/Meningitis; 78 year old man Uncomplicated Fever; 9 year old boy Encephalitis/Meningitis; 72 year old man Encephalitis/Meningitis
  • Lea County: 1 case; 59 year old man. Uncomplicated Fever
  • San Miguel County: 1 case; 67 year old man, uncomplicated fever.
  • Sandoval County: 1 case; 79 year old man. Encephalitis/meningitis

Symptoms:

Common West Nile Virus symptoms are fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. If someone has these symptoms, they should see their health care provider. In some cases, West Nile Virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fever and chills; confusion, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Symptoms include headache, fever, confusion and drowsiness.

Prevention Guidelines:

  • Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 for use on skin, and permethrin for use on clothing. Always follow label directions when using insect repellents.
  • When weather permits, wear protective clothing such as loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.
  • The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing or avoid outdoor activities during these times.
  • Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires. Regularly change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet water bowls. Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.
  • Keep windows and doors closed if not screened.

Resources:

http://nmhealth.org/ERD/HealthData/westnile.shtml.

 

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