West Nile Case Reported in El Paso Despite Cold Weather

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health announced today that a sixth person has been diagnosed with West Nile virus in the borderland.

The patient is a man in his 50’s who lives in the western portion of El Paso and is recovering.

“This is not the first time we see West Nile infections during the colder time of the year, but the case is rather unusual,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Lead Epidemiologist. “It’s important that we don’t assume mosquito activity ends when the weather gets cold. We know they are out there and we know that some of them are infected, and can spread the virus.”

This latest case has been added to the running list being compiled by the DPH (as shown below.)

Case	Sex	Age	Area of Residence
1	Male	70s	Central El Paso
2	Male	20s	Central El Paso
3	Male	40s	San Elizario
4	Male	30s	Lower Valley
5	Female	70s	Upper Valley
6	Male	50s	Westside

The Department of Public Health continues to recommend mosquito bite prevention tips. To report standing water or other mosquito breeding sites, call 3-1-1. Please be sure to provide address or street names with cross streets when calling.