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Aug 16, 2023

Holy Cross warns of West Nile virus

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Mosquitos breed in still water and can carry West Nile virus, five cases of which have been confirmed in people seen at Holy Cross Medical Center recently. West Nile virus is

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Mosquitos breed in still water and can carry West Nile virus, five cases of which have been confirmed in people seen at Holy Cross Medical Center recently.

West Nile virus is spreading in Taos County and other parts of the state, according to Holy Cross Medical Center and the New Mexico Department of Health.

As of Aug. 18, the New Mexico Department of Health reported that there were 14 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in New Mexico, five of which were treated at Holy Cross Medical Center.

"The five-year average number of cases for the state is five, which means we are seeing abnormally high numbers this year," the Taos hospital's infection prevention director, Doris West, and Medical Chief of Staff Dr. Cipry Jaramillo, said in a statement to the Taos News this week. "Symptoms of the milder form of illness include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. Neurologic symptoms include neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness and paralysis. Those with weaker immune systems are at higher risk," as are adults over the age of 50.

According to a Department of Health press release earlier this month, West Nile virus infections have been observed among residents in Bernalillo, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance and Valencia counties. Additionally, as of the first week of August, the virus had been detected in eight horses and two birds across Doña Ana, Los Alamos, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Sierra, Taos, Torrance, Union and Valencia counties.

The virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, which are most active during dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes can proliferate with or without rain, using stagnant water from everyday sources like plant watering and irrigation. They can breed in small containers found around homes. No medications have been found to treat or prevent infection by the virus.

As meager as the monsoon is this year, the Department of Health advised individuals to maintain a mosquito-free environment by taking these steps:

• Utilize EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol when outdoors, following the instructions on the label.

• Eradicate water-holding containers that serve as mosquito breeding sites, including old tires, empty cans and unnecessary outdoor items.

• Regularly empty water from birdbaths, wading pools and potted plant saucers.

• Ensure tightly screened rain barrels.

• Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity hours.

• Keep windows and doors closed if not equipped with proper screens.

People with symptoms who suspect West Nile virus infection should contact their healthcare provider, according to the health department. For more information about West Nile virus, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to the department's West Nile webpage.

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