The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department and Bernalillo County Planning and Development Services Department announced today the first West Nile virus death of 2024 in Bernalillo County, involving a 65-year-old woman. This case is one of two positive human cases reported in the county this year. The city has also detected West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes through routine monitoring at various locations.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. The virus is endemic across the country and continues to pose a significant public health threat during peak mosquito activity months. It is typically spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, with symptoms ranging from fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches to severe neurological conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately. Those over 60 are at higher risk for serious illness from West Nile virus.
“We’ve had another bad mosquito season this year and our focus remains on prevention methods to protect public health,” said Dr. Mark DiMenna, City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department Deputy Director. “Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus will be around until there is a good hard frost in the area, and we urge people to continue to take precautions against mosquito bites throughout the rest of the season.”
“It’s been a busy season for our vector control technicians as they focus on efforts to minimize the impact of mosquitos,” said Bernalillo County Health Protection Manager Kellison Platero. “We continue to ask citizens to be mindful of standing water within their neighborhood and to keep water from accumulating in small pockets around their property. To keep residents safe please follow these simple recommendations to minimize exposure and mosquito bites.”
To minimize mosquito bites and prevent exposure:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 for use on skin, and permethrin for use on clothing.
- Limit outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay eggs, such as old tires; regularly change water in birdbaths, wading pools, and pet bowls; ensure rain barrels are tightly screened.
- Prevent standing water when flood-irrigating.
- Keep windows and doors closed if they do not have screens; ensure screens fit tightly without holes.
For more information on mosquito control and prevention programs in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County visit: cabq.gov/mosquitoes.