A new case of West Nile Virus has been reported in El Paso county, bringing the total in 2016 to five. The new case was reported in a woman in her 70’s who lives in the Upper Valley.
“As we predicted, the recent rains have created conditions for mosquitoes to thrive in our region. We have identified six mosquito pools in various areas of El Paso that have tested positive for West Nile” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “We continue to stress the importance of removing standing water in and around the home, and wearing insect repellent as means of protecting ourselves and our families.”
“As you can see from the list, West Nile and other mosquito borne diseases such as Zika, can affect anyone of any age,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director. “You’re never too young or too old to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the illnesses they may carry.”
The latest case marks the first woman to come down with the virus this year. The other documented cases are as follows:
- Man – 70s – Central El Paso
- Man – 20s – Central EL Paso
- Man – 40s – San Elizario
- Man – 30s – Lower Valley
- Woman – 70s – Upper Valley
The Department of Public Health continues to recommend other mosquito bite prevention tips including:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Drain standing water both inside and outside your home – Tip and Toss
- Stay in cool places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol (Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old)
- More information is available at www.EPHealth.com under the Zika Virus page
To report standing water or other mosquito breeding sites, call 3-1-1. Please be sure to provide address or street names with cross streets when calling.
