2010: New Mexico: 23 human cases, 1 fatality

[Ronan Kelly]

First Human West Nile Virus Case Reported In Dona Ana Co.
Posted: 12:40 pm MDT August 27, 2010
Updated: 1:01 pm MDT August 27, 2010

DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. -- A 47-year-old woman from Do?a Ana County tested positive for the West Nile Virus test when she donated blood, the New Mexico Department of Health announced Friday. She later developed mild symptoms and has recovered, said officials with the Health Department.

continues at; http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/24786407/detail.html

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: New Mexico: First Human West Nile Virus Case Reported In Dona Ana Co.

For immediate release: Media contact: Deborah Busemeyer
August 27, 2010 Office: 505-827-2619, Cell: 470-2290
Health Department Reports First Two Human West Nile Cases in NM in 2010
State Encourages New Mexicans to Protect Themselves Against Mosquitoes
(Santa Fe) ? The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that a 67-year-old woman from San Juan County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus infection. The woman is hospitalized with neurological symptoms, the more severe clinical form of West Nile Virus. This is the first human case of laboratory-confirmed West Nile Virus infection in New Mexico so far this year.
A 47-year-old woman from Do?a Ana County also had a positive West Nile Virus test when she donated blood. Later she developed mild symptoms and has recovered. Symptoms are fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. In rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis. If you have these symptoms, you should see your health care provider.
?It?s important to remember that older adults are more susceptible to developing serious complications from West Nile Virus, and they need to be especially careful to avoid mosquito bites,? said the Department of Health?s State Epidemiologist C. Mack Sewell.
Paul Ettestad, the Department?s public health veterinarian, said people should protect themselves by using a repellent when they are outdoors, especially during the evening and early morning when mosquitoes are most active. ?Because of the large amounts of rainfall New Mexico received in late July and early August, mosquito populations are increasing and we should expect West Nile Virus activity throughout the state,? Ettestad said.
New Mexico typically sees most of its West Nile cases in August and September. There were eight human cases of West Nile each year in 2009 and 2008.
To protect yourself from West Nile:
? Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors.
? Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, or avoid outdoor activities during dusk to dawn, peak biting times for mosquitoes.
? Empty or 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.
? Have screens on your windows and doors or keep them closed.
? Vaccinate your horses.

http://www.health.state.nm.us/CommunicationsOffice/2010Releases/Health%20Department%20Reports%20First%20Two%20Human%20West%20Nile%20Cases%20in%20NM%20in%202010.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: New Mexico: First Human West Nile Virus Cases Reported In Dona Ana and San Juan Cos.

3 new cases bring the total to 5.
M/61, Dona Ana county recovered
M/40, Dona Ana county hospitalized with meningitis
M/43, San Juan county also had meningitis, but has recovered.

http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13120266

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: New Mexico: 5 human cases 2010

For immediate release: Media contact: Deborah Busemeyer
September 28, 2010 Office: 505-827-2619, Cell: 470-2290
Number of West Nile Cases in New Mexico Climbs
Thirteen Cases from Six Counties so far This Year
(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that New Mexico
continues to see an increase in the number of West Nile Virus cases. The Department of Health
has 13 confirmed West Nile Virus cases and is investigating several more potential cases. The
Department had previously reported a total of five cases in Do?a Ana (3) and San Juan (2)
counties.
The 13 cases come from the following counties: Do?a Ana (5), San Juan (4), Chaves (1), Curry
(1), McKinley (1), and Eddy (1). Ten of the patients had the more serious West Nile neurological
disease, including meningitis and encephalitis, and were hospitalized. Three of the cases had the
less severe West Nile fever. All cases have survived and are recovering.
In addition, three blood donors with no symptoms tested positive for West Nile Virus, indicating
that they were infected with the virus and recovered. The donors came from Do?a Ana, Chaves,
and Lea counties. Mosquitoes collected from local mosquito control programs have also tested
positive for West Nile Virus from Bernalillo, Cibola, and Do?a Ana counties.
Symptoms of West Nile infection are fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. In rare cases,
West Nile Virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis. If you have these symptoms, you should
see your health care provider.
“New Mexico is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities, but everyone needs to be aware that
mosquito bites can lead to illness,” said the Department of Health’s State Epidemiologist C.
Mack Sewell. “The virus is one of the few diseases where people can take a few simple
precautions, like using a repellent when outdoors, and be protected.”
To protect yourself from West Nile:
 Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors.
 Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, or avoid outdoor activities during
dusk to dawn, peak biting times for mosquitoes.
 Empty or 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.
 Have screens on your windows and doors or keep them closed.
 Vaccinate your horses.
New Mexico typically sees most of its West Nile cases in August and September. There were
eight human cases of West Nile each year in 2009 and 2008.
For more information about West Nile Virus, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, go to
the Department’s website at http://nmhealth.org/ERD/HealthData/westnile.shtml.
# # #

http://nmhealth.org/ERD/HealthData/documents/westnile13cases9-28-2010_2_.pdf

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: New Mexico: 13 human cases 2010

State logs year's first West Nile death
31 cases reported in 2010
Updated: Friday, 05 Nov 2010, 11:25 AM MDT
Published : Friday, 05 Nov 2010, 11:25 AM MDT

Web Producer: Bill Diven
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The first case of West Nile virus confirmed in Bernalillo County since 2008 has killed an 88-year-old woman, the city of Albuquerque Urban Biology Division reported Friday.

The woman, whose name was not released, lived in Albuquerque.

This is the 23rd case of West Nile virus in the state this year and the only fatal one, according to the division.

....

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/health/state-logs-years-first-west-nile-death