SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials say five more cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in the state since the first human case was reported in early August.
The Health Department says the new cases were reported in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, San Juan and Valencia counties.
New Mexico has had cases of West Nile every year since the virus migrated to the state in 2003. There were seven cases in 2018 and 33 cases in 2017.
West Nile virus is most commonly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are no vaccines to prevent it or medications to treat it.
Officials say five of the six cases this year resulted in neuro-invasive disease, the most severe form of the disease. One case resulted in uncomplicated West Nile fever.
