El Paso Reports First West Nile Infection Fatality of 2009

Citizens Urged to Take Precautions to Prevent Mosquito Bites

El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso Department of Public Health today
announced that a 73-year-old woman from East El Paso County is the first West
Nile Virus-related fatality of 2009.
There were no West Nile Virus (WNV) fatalities reported last year. There have
been 17 confirmed cases of West Nile-related human illness in El Paso County
to date.
“We extend our condolences to the woman’s loved ones,” said Michael Hill,
director of the Department of Public Health. “This sad and unfortunate loss of
life is a sobering reminder to us all that the West Nile Virus can lead to serious
illness.”
West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito;
mosquitoes can become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. The virus
is not spread through person-to-person contact, or directly from birds to
humans.
In most cases, people who are infected with West Nile Virus never become sick,
or have only mild symptoms, though an infection can lead to severe illness.
Symptoms of a West Nile Virus infection are flu-like, and include fever,
headache, body aches, and in some cases skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
Though a person of any age may become infected; the elderly and infants are
the most susceptible to the West Nile Virus. If you suspect you have been
infected with West Nile you should seek medical assistance.
To protect our citizens and provide a coordinated response against the West
Nile Virus, the city’s El Paso Environmental Services Department is continuing
to aggressively address mosquito abatement.

For more information about the West Nile Virus citizens should, call 2-1-1.
Mosquito breeding should be reported to the Code Compliance Division of the
Environmental Services Department at (915) 774-4500.

Preventing Mosquito Bites and Mosquito Breeding
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are
most active.
• Cover up with shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts if you plan to
be outdoors, especially during the periods when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito repellant containing DEET on exposed skin and spray
clothing with repellent since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
Remember to always follow label directions when using insect repellents.
• Eliminate stagnant water from containers around your property, such as
flower pots.
• Frequently change the water in birdbaths, pet water bowls and wading pools.
Mosquitoes use water-holding containers to lay their eggs.
• Repair holes on window and door screens. Remember to make sure door
seals are secure.
• Do not over-irrigate your farmland or