West Nile Virus Alert

  • Published
  • By 377th Air Base Wing
  • Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The New Mexico Department of Health announced July 31 that mosquitoes in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The NM DOH said most WNV cases occur in August and September, after the rainy season. Symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. In rare cases, WNV can cause meningitis or encephalitis. Individuals with these symptoms should see their health care providers. Prevention of WNV includes keeping unscreened windows and doors closed; staying inside from dusk to dawn, during peak biting times; eliminating water-holding containers outside homes, where mosquitoes lay eggs; and using insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when outdoors. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 on skin, and permethrin for use on clothing. Water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet bowls should be regularly changed. There is no WNV vaccine for humans.