West Nile Virus Health Data
For the latest information regarding West Nile Virus, please call the Epidemiology and Response Division at (505) 827-0006, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease that was first seen in North America in 1999. The most serious manifestation of West Nile Virus infection is fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, as well as mortality in certain domestic and wild birds. Cases of West Nile Virus in New Mexico have occurred every year since 2003. West Nile Virus infections in humans occur seasonally, with the peak of cases in late summer and early fall.
The risk of acquiring West Nile Virus can be reduced by:
- Using insect repellent
- Reducing the amount of time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Having screens on your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out
- Emptying or eliminating water holding containers (where mosquitoes lay their eggs) such as tires, flower pots and buckets
NM DOH Recommendations for Medical Providers
Frequently Asked Questions and Fact Sheets
- FAQ Brochure - English
- Preguntas más frecuentes Folleto
- Fact Sheet - English
- Virus del Nilo Occidental Fichas técnicas
NM West Nile Virus Data, 2003 - 2012
- Human Cases by County
- Human Cases by Onset Week
- Human Cases by Age
- Human Case Demographics
- Veterinary Surveillance
2013 West Nile Virus Activity in New Mexico
(updated 01/16/2012)
New Mexico has reported no human cases of West Nile Virus infection in 2013.
Insect Repellents
- Insect Repellent Use and Safety (CDC)
- Comparative Efficacy of Insect Repellents Against Mosquito Bites (New England Journal of Medicine)
- DEET Insect Repellent Fact Sheet (National Pesticide Information Center)
Training Resources
New Mexico Vector Control Manual
Public Health Confronts the Mosquito: Developing Sustainable State and Local Mosquito Control Programs, a report from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials' Mosquito Control Collaborative