
New Mexico Department of Health officials are reporting a West Nile virus case in a 37-year-old Luna County man. Reportedly, the man was not hospitalized.
Last month, DOH officials reported that an 80-year-old Luna County woman had been diagnosed with West Nile virus. The woman has recovered.
State health officials are reminding New Mexico residents to continue to take precautions against West Nile virus, such as using insect repellant on exposed skin.
Paul Ettestad, public health veterinarian for the state Department of Health, said most West Nile virus cases occur in the late summer but the disease remains a threat until the first hard freeze of the season.
Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle
aches. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis.
Luna County has had only two previous confirmed cases of West Nile – one in 2008 and one in 2005.