A man in his 50s from San Juan County is the first human case of the West Nile virus infection in New Mexico so far this year.“At a time where all of us are focused on COVID-19, we still must remember common seasonal viruses like West Nile,” said Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “West Nile virus can be a serious health concern anywhere in New Mexico where mosquitos are active.”According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the man required hospitalization and is recovering from the disease.West Nile virus is a sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Mosquito populations increase when temperatures are warm and standing water is accessible. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to make an individual sick.Symptoms from West Nile virus include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue.The NMDOH urges New Mexicans to take precautions to protect themselves against West Nile virus and recommends people should:Use an approved insect repellent every time they go outside. Regularly drain standing water. Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home.There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. People that are 50 years old and up, and those with other health issues, are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying when infected with the disease.If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their health care provider.
SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. —
A man in his 50s from San Juan County is the first human case of the West Nile virus infection in New Mexico so far this year.
“At a time where all of us are focused on COVID-19, we still must remember common seasonal viruses like West Nile,” said Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “West Nile virus can be a serious health concern anywhere in New Mexico where mosquitos are active.”
According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the man required hospitalization and is recovering from the disease.
West Nile virus is a sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Mosquito populations increase when temperatures are warm and standing water is accessible. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to make an individual sick.
Symptoms from West Nile virus include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue.
The NMDOH urges New Mexicans to take precautions to protect themselves against West Nile virus and recommends people should:
- Use an approved insect repellent every time they go outside.
- Regularly drain standing water.
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home.
There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. People that are 50 years old and up, and those with other health issues, are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying when infected with the disease.
If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their health care provider.
