Mosquitoes Are Back in El Paso, and They’re Packing West Nile Again

Oh good, just when you thought your only late-summer worry was the heat, mosquitoes have decided to make things interesting in El Paso. The City of El Paso Department of Public Health confirmed the first case of Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) this year, because apparently these little vampires weren’t content just ruining barbecues.

The patient, a man in his 80s from the 79932 area, is currently hospitalized with the severe, nervous-system-attacking version of the virus. Last year, El Paso had two similar cases, one of which was fatal. So yes, mosquitoes are still gunning for us.

How West Nile Works (And Why Birds Are in on It)

Here’s the quick science: mosquitoes feed on infected birds, then bite humans. Boom, West Nile. Most people won’t even realize they’ve had it, but about 1 in 5 unlucky souls get stuck with West Nile fever (think fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, rash… basically flu’s evil twin).

For a small group, about 1 in 150, it gets worse. The virus can go neuroinvasive, causing brain inflammation, confusion, and even death. To make matters worse, about 1 in 10 of those severe cases are fatal. Translation: it’s rare, but when it hits, it hits hard.

But Wait, There’s More: St. Louis Encephalitis

Because mosquitoes don’t believe in half measures, health officials also confirmed they’re carrying St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) in El Paso. Symptoms can be as mild as nothing at all or as terrifying as seizures, confusion, and death, especially in older adults. And just like West Nile, there’s no vaccine and no magic cure.

Mosquitoes in both 79932 and 79936 have tested positive for these viruses, meaning the west and east sides are equally cursed.

Your Official Survival Guide

Until someone invents a mosquito forcefield, your best bet is prevention. The city recommends the “Four D’s,” which sound less like health advice and more like rejected boy band names:

• DEET – Repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are your new signature scent.

• DRESS – Wear long sleeves and pants because mosquitoes are fashion critics who hate fabric.

• DUSK & DAWN – Mosquito prime time. Unless you’re trying out for “Fear Factor: El Paso Edition,” stay inside.

• DRAIN – Standing water is basically a mosquito day spa. Dump it. Buckets, birdbaths, gutters, that kiddie pool you swore you’d put away last summer, all of it.

And if you find a mosquito breeding ground in your neighborhood, you can report it by calling 311 or (915) 212-6000.

So yes, add “tiny winged germ-deliverers” to your list of El Paso hazards. Because around here, even our bugs like to keep things dramatic.