State's first West Nile virus infection confirmed

Aug. 8—New Mexico health officials have confirmed this year's first West Nile infection — a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus.

The illness was reported in a Union County resident who was not hospitalized and is recovering at home, the state Department of Health reported.

New Mexico in 2023 had 80 reported human infections of West Nile virus and eight deaths, which marked the third highest number of infections since tracking began in 2002.

The state has averaged 35 cases a year of West Nile virus for the last five years. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection in humans.

Health officials urged New Mexicans to take steps to avoid mosquito bites to minimize risk of infection.

"Preventing mosquito bites is our first line of defense against West Nile virus," said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the state Department of Health. "Protect yourself and your loved ones by using insect repellent and eliminating standing water."

People can take several steps to minimize risk of infection. They include:

—Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, empty cans and other unneeded outdoor items that can hold water. Make sure windows and rain barrels are tightly screened.

—Drain the water in birdbaths, wading pools and saucers under potted plants weekly.

—Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET, picardin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-mentane-diol.

—Horse owners should vaccinate their animals to protect them from West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis.

—Contact a health care provider if you have symptoms of West Nile fever, including headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms of West Nile neuroinvasive disease can include those of West Nile fever plus neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.