West Nile Virus Cases Jump to 14 in El Paso

The Department of Public Health has confirmed another El Paso resident who has been diagnosed with the West Nile Virus bringing the total number of cases to fourteen.

The Department of Public Health epidemiologist has announced that a new female patient has been identified with the West Nile virus. The patient lives in Far East El Paso and now brings the total number of cases in El Paso to fourteen, with eleven males and three females.

According to the Department of Health, the West Nile virus was first detected in North America back in 1999 and can cause severe health issues including meningitis, febrile illness, swelling of the brain and sometimes death.

The Department of Health is encouraging El Paso residents to take proper precautions to avoid contracting the virus by practicing the 4D’s:

• DEET – When going outdoors remember to use insect repellents
• DRESS – When possible wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks
• DUSK and DAWN – Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito times which are dusk and dawn.
• DRAIN – Reduce mosquitoes by draining standing water on a regular basis.

To report standing water or mosquito breeding, call 3-1-1.

For more information on the programs and services provided by the Department of Public Health, call 2-1-1 or visit EPHealth.com or EPSalud.com.