TX: El Paso Co. reports West Nile deaths

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=11211699

EP County reports 1st West Nile virus death of the year
Posted: Sep 28, 2009 01:13 PM
Updated: Sep 28, 2009 01:20 PM

EL PASO, Texas -- The death of a 73-year-old woman from east El Paso County is the first West Nile virus-related fatality of the year in the county, El Paso Department of Public Health officials announced Monday.

No information was released on when the woman died.

There have been 17 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in El Paso County this year. No West Nile deaths were recorded last year, officials said.

"We extend our condolences to the woman's loved ones," said Michael Hill, director of the Department of Public Health, in a news release. "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 bit of an infected mosquito. In most cases, people who are infected with the virus never become sick, or have only mild symptoms, though an infection can lead to severe illness.

by ABC-7 Web Producer Annette Arrigucci

 

[Shiloh]

Re: TX: El Paso Co. reports West Nile deaths

Source: http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=11227432

Death of 68-year-old man is 2nd West Nile death of year

Posted: Sep 29, 2009 06:54 PM
Updated: Sep 29, 2009 06:54 PM

EL PASO, Texas -- The death of a 68-year-old man from east El Paso County is the county's second West Nile virus-related death this year, El Paso Department of Public Health officials said Tuesday.

No details about when the man died were released. The city has had 18 confirmed cases of West Nile virus so far this year. The death of a 73-year-old El Paso County woman was the county's first death due to West Nile virus this year, health officials announced Monday.

The virus is spread by infected mosquitoes. 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.

According to city health officials, symptoms of a West Nile virus infection are flu-like, and may include fever, headache, body aches, and in some cases skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

For more information about the West Nile virus citizens should call 211. Mosquito breeding should be reported to the Code Compliance Division of the Environmental Services Department at (915) 774-4500.