First Human Cases of West Nile Virus of 2024 in Bernalillo County

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, a 65-year-old woman. This is one of two of positive human cases in Bernalillo County this year. The City has also detected West Nile virus positive mosquitos through routine mosquito monitoring at locations throughout the city.

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 serious threat to public health during the months of peak mosquito activity. It’s most typically spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito, and the disease can present with varying degrees of severity. Common West Nile virus symptoms are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, neurological symptoms such as meningitis or encephalitis can develop. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, they should see their health care provider immediately. Those over the age of 60 are at most risk for serious disease 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,” says 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 to disease carried by mosquitoes:

• Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents that have been proven effective, which includes those 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.
• Consider limiting exposure to mosquitos by not scheduling outdoor activities around dawn and dusk when they are most actively biting.
• Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, and regularly change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet water bowls. Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.
• When flood-irrigating, prevent water from standing for more than a few days
• Keep windows and doors closed if they do not have screens. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and do not have holes.

For more information on mosquito control and mosquito-borne disease prevention programs in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County visit: cabq.gov/mosquitoes.