EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso health officials on Tuesday confirmed a seventh case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus disease involving a man in his 50s who is recovering in the hospital.<\/p>\n
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health said the man, who has underlying health conditions and lives in the 79927 ZIP code, contracted West Nile virus and developed neuroinvasive disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis disease is extremely dangerous and can lead to potential complications, disability or even death,\u201d said City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. \u201cWith the recent rain, the public should continue to be careful and decrease the risk of getting infected with WNV by practicing the four Ds to prevent mosquito bites.\u201d<\/p>\n
This most recent case comes after the City of El Paso previously confirmed in August that a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions died from neuroinvasive West Nile virus, the first in 2026.<\/p>\n
The death was reported after four severe cases of the virus had been reported on July 24, with two involving people in their 70s and also with underlying health conditions.<\/p>\n
Health officials said symptoms of West Nile infection can include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph glands.<\/p>\n
While officials said eight out of 10 people infected with West Nile virus will not develop symptoms, they warned one in five infected people develop West Nile fever, which can include fever along with symptoms such as body aches, joint pain, headache or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, and about one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal, officials said.<\/p>\n
Amid heavy rain hitting the borderland this week, health officials are urging residents to follow the “Four D’s” to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:<\/p>\n
– DEET: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone when outdoors and follow label directions.<\/p>\n
– DRESS: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks, and apply repellent to clothing because mosquitoes can bite through thin fabrics.<\/p>\n
– DUSK and DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.<\/p>\n
– DRAIN: Remove standing water from items such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet bowls, discarded tires, birdbaths, and other containers, and refresh pet water daily.<\/p>\n
Residents are also encouraged to install or repair window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.<\/p>\n
Standing water or mosquito breeding sites can be reported by calling (915) 212-6000 or 311.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso reports first West Nile virus death 2026<\/a><\/p>\n