Tag Archives: el paso west nile

On Wednesday morning,  officials with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health began urging residents to prevent mosquito breeding and avoid mosquito bites in order to avoid disease.

“Even though we are currently in the middle of a global pandemic with COVID-19, pathogens and disease do not take turns and we must face every threat as they come,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “We should also recognize that the vulnerable populations for COVID-19 are some of the same people who could be affected greatly by a disease like West Nile virus.”

Last year El Paso saw 16 confirmed cases of West Nile virus and two residents succumbed to the disease.

This includes the elderly and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants. They are at greater risk for developing serious illness from West Nile.

Other diseases that have yet to present local cases but threaten our community’s health include Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue. All can have devastating effects on those who are infected.

While weather forecasts do not see a high chance for rain, this week the community’s irrigation flooding from the Rio Grande has begun taking place in some areas, as a result public health officials are asking residents to use a larvicide that is commercially sold in either liquid, tablet, pellet, granule, or briquette form.

El Pasoans can also help ‘fight the bite’ by using these prevention methods:

• DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK & DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with Zika can be active throughout the day, residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths. After rains or lawn watering, residents are asked to “tip and toss” any standing water they find outside.

Residents can report mosquito breeding and standing water by calling 3-1-1.

For more information on the Public Health Department, call 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com or www.EPSalud.com.

On Wednesday, officials with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced they confirmed the area’s 14^th cases of West Nile virus.

A man in his early 60’s with underlying medical conditions, was confirmed to have contracted the virus but is recovering at home.

”We continue to stress that even though our weather is cooling down a bit, we are seeing more rainy weather and there is no reason to think that mosquitoes are no longer a threat,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “If we don’t protect ourselves from mosquito bites, we will continue to see the number of cases increase.”

The best way to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne diseases is to practice the “four Ds”:

• DEET– Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS– Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSKand DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with other diseases such as Zika can be active throughout the day; residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN– Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.

You can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

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

Late Thursday, officials with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that they continue to receive confirmed cases of West Nile virus in our area.

The 11^th case is a man in his early 80’s, the 12^th is a woman in her early 30’s, and the 13^th case is a man in his late 80’s. Two of the three individuals have underlying medical conditions.

”It doesn’t appear that the mosquito-borne disease season will be coming to an end any time soon,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director. As we approach a holiday weekend, when many spend extra time outdoors, it is important that we remember to protect ourselves from getting bitten and contracting this and other diseases.

The best way to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne diseases is to practice the “four Ds”:

• DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with other diseases such as Zika can be active throughout the day; residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.

You can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. To report standing water or mosquito breeding call 3-1-1.

The following is a table of the cases reported to the DPH so far this season:

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that two West Nile virus-related deaths have been confirmed in the area.

“It has been four years since our City has seen a West Nile-related death and this news is hard to report,” said Robert Resendes, Public Health Director. “We extend our condolences to these individuals’ loved-ones and remind the community to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites as a way to help prevent this disease.”

The patients are a woman in her early 50’s and a man in his early 80’s. Both had underlying conditions. The woman’s illness had already been reported, however; the man is considered a newly-reported case.

The 7^th case is a man in his early 30’s who does not have underlying conditions.

The following is a table of the cases reported to the DPH so far this season:

The best way to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne diseases is to practice the “four Ds”:

• DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with other diseases such as Zika can be active throughout the day; residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

• DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.

You can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. To report standing water or mosquito breeding call 3-1-1.

Monday morning, officials with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced that two more cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed.

The two most recent cases involve a woman in her early 30’s and a man in his late 30’s. Both reside in the 79912 zip code and neither have underlying medical conditions.

“West Nile has become commonplace in our area, but we must not forget that the disease has the potential to become very serious, especially for those whose immune systems are compromised. With the increase in rain and the increase in the number of cases, we need to protect ourselves from mosquito bites more than ever,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist.

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. The best way to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne diseases is to practice the “four Ds”:

• DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with other diseases such asZika can be active throughout the day; residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and  birdbaths.

Residents can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. To report standing water or mosquito breeding call 3-1-1.

These are the cases confirmed so far in El Paso:

To learn more about mosquito prevention watch this short video by clicking here.

Officials with the City of El Paso Department of Public Health have confirmed three West Nile cases in El Paso.

Two females in their late 70’s and one male in his 50’s, all within the 79925 zip code, have been confirmed as West Nile cases. West Nile Virus continues to raise concerns for health officials across the United States, and experts here in El Paso are asking residents to heed the warnings.

“We want to remind residents that mosquitoes are vectors for some serious diseases,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “It is important to follow prevention steps in order to reduce mosquito related diseases like West Nile.”

Human infection is the result of bites from infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which circulate the virus in their blood for a few days.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph glands.

The best way to avoid exposure to mosquito-borne diseases is to practice the “four Ds”:

• DEET – Use insect repellents containing DEET when you go outdoors. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.
• DRESS – When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing and it’s recommended to also spray your clothes with repellent.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with West Nile can be active throughout the day, residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around and outside your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

You can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. To report standing water or mosquito breeding call 3-1-1.

The mission of the City of El Paso Department of Public Health is to provide Public Health related research, evaluation, education, prevention, intervention, and preparedness services.

For more information on the programs and services they provide, please dial 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com

On Thursday, the Department of Public Health confirmed a third case of West Nile Virus this season in El Paso.

“The upcoming Labor Day weekend is typically a time for the community to spend extended periods of time outdoors and we need residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes that carry West Nile,” said Department of Public Health Lead Epidemiologist Fernando Gonzalez. “Please make sure to use insect repellent and do whatever it takes to keep you and your children from being bitten.”

According to officials, the patient is a woman in her mid-60’s who lives in the Mission Valley. She has underlying medical conditions but is recovering from the infection.

There were 14 human cases of West Nile confirmed in El Paso last year and the most recent deaths associated with the disease were two deaths in 2015.

The following are the cases confirmed in El Paso so far this season:

The Department of Public Health is asking residents to help ‘fight the bite’ by reducing the spread of mosquito borne diseases using these prevention methods:

• DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with other diseases such as Zika can be active throughout the day; residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.

For more information on the Public Health Department, call 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com or www.EPSalud.com.

The Department of Public Health has confirmed a second case of West Nile Virus this season in El Paso.

The patient is a man in his early 70’s who lives in West El Paso. He has underlying medical conditions but is recovering from the infection. The first case this season involved a man in his early 20’s who also lives in West El Paso.

“With rain expected in our area over the next several days, we need to be sure to empty any standing water in order to prevent breeding the mosquitoes that carry this disease,” said Department of Public Health Lead Epidemiologist Fernando Gonzalez. “We have more positive mosquito pools identified across the City and we must be proactive in protecting ourselves and our families.”

There were 14 human cases of West Nile confirmed in El Paso last year and the most recent deaths associated with the disease were two deaths in 2015.

The Department of Public Health is asking residents to help ‘fight the bite’ by reducing the spread of mosquito borne diseases using these prevention methods:

• DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with other diseases such as Zika can be active throughout the day; residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.

For more information on the Public Health Department, call 2-1-1 or visit www.EPHealth.com or

www.EPSalud.com.

Two new confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in two El Paso men brings the total number of cases in El Paso to 13 so far this season.

The new cases involve a man in his 70’s who lives in the Mission Valley and a man in his early 60’s who lives on the city’s eastside. Both have reported underlying medical conditions.

Health officials credit local health care providers for properly identifying cases and following through with reporting this notifiable disease.

“We invite the community to join us and take mosquito-borne disease prevention seriously,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “This weekend’s Zika Action Day event will provide an opportunity for families and individuals to learn and gain a better understanding of what they can do to help prevent diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika.”

The Zika Action Day will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Memorial Park located at the corner of Luna Street and Wheeling Avenue.

The following is a compilation of cases identified by Department of Public Health Epidemiology Division so far this year:

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, is to prevent mosquito bites. Defend yourself by using the 4 D’s:
• DEET – Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.

• DRESS – When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.

• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with Zika can be active throughout the day, residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

• DRAIN – Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around and outside your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

An El Paso man in his late 40s has become the fifth confirmed person in El Paso to be diagnosed with West Nile Virus in El Paso this year.

The man lives in West El Paso and does not have a history of recent travel. The patient does have underlying medical conditions, but is recovering at home.

“It is not too late to start taking West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases seriously,” said Lead Epidemiologist Fernando Gonzalez. “We ask all residents to do their part to remove standing rainwater and other stagnant water around their home and encourage them to check with neighbors, especially the elderly who may need assistance to remove items that are soaked.”

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, is to prevent mosquito bites. Defend yourself by using the 4 D’s:

• DEET – Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
• DRESS – When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with Zika can be active throughout the day, residents     should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around and outside your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Residents can also mosquito-proof their home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. To report standing water or mosquito breeding, call 3-1-1.

In effort to increase awareness about the disease and ways the public can protect themselves, the Department has added a West Nile Virus session to the list of presentations offered by the Speakers Bureau. Local civic and community organizations can schedule a presentation that will include background on the disease, prevention methods, as well as what people can look out for in regards to signs and symptoms of infection.

Presentations can be scheduled by visiting the website and clicking on “Special Projects.”

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

An elderly man in his 70s has become the fourth confirmed person in El Paso to be diagnosed with West Nile Virus in El Paso this year.

According to El Paso Department of Public Health officials, the man lives in Central El Paso and does not have a history of recent travel.

The patient does have underlying medical conditions, but is recovering at home.

“City officials are testing mosquitoes from all parts of town, and a great many of them are coming back positive for West Nile Virus,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “Every time it rains we need to remember about draining standing water outside our homes in order to prevent this deadly disease.”

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, is to prevent mosquito bites. Defend yourself by using the 4 D’s:

• DEET – Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.
• DRESS – When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Rather, spray permethrin-containing products only on clothing.
• DUSK and DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with Zika can be active throughout the day, residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
• DRAIN – Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around and outside your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Residents can also mosquito-proof their home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. To report standing water or mosquito breeding, call 3-1-1.

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced today that the West Nile virus has been confirmed in five more people in El Paso this season.

The most recent confirmed cases involve residents who live in the downtown, central, and northeast part of the city. The number of West Nile virus-related deaths in El Paso this year remains at two.

“In the past we have seen confirmed cases of the disease well into the winter months,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “We need to make sure that residents continue to avoid mosquitoes throughout the fall and winter months.”

Avoiding mosquitos which may carry the disease is the main message of the “Four D’s”. These easy to remember tips could help prevent more cases of West Nile virus in El Paso.

• DEET – Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.

• DRESS – When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Rather, spray permethrin-containing products only on clothing.

• DUSK and DAWN – Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

• DRAIN – Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around and outside your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

You can also mosquito-proof your home by installing or repairing screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. The City’s Vector Control Program is also continuing its proactive fogging and treatment of areas of concern.

They actively monitor reservoirs, drains, inactive pools, and investigate citizen’s complaints of potential mosquito infestations. Residents may call 311 to report any standing water or areas of concern.

The following is a list of cases confirmed in El Paso so far this season.

Education

In effort to increase awareness about the disease and ways the public can protect themselves, the Department has added a West Nile virus session to the list of presentations offered by the Speakers Bureau. Local civic and community organizations can schedule a presentation that will include background on the disease, prevention methods, as well as what people can look out for in regards to signs and symptoms of infection. Presentations can be scheduled by visiting www.EPHealth.com and clicking on “Special Projects.”

The efforts and services offered by the Department of Public Health support the City of El Paso’s strategic goal to nurture and promote a healthy, sustainable community. For more information on the programs and services offered by the Department, please visit www.EPHealth.com or dial 2-1-1.

Author: City of El Paso