El Paso reports two new severe West Nile virus cases

The El Paso Department of Public Health confirmed two additional severe West Nile virus infections, bringing the total number of serious cases in 2026 to four. The patients, a woman and a man aged between 70 and 79, have pre‑existing health conditions.

Health officials warned that while roughly 80 % of infected individuals remain asymptomatic and about 20 % develop a mild fever, approximately one in 150 cases progress to serious neurological disease, of which around 10 % are fatal. Dr. Héctor Ocaranza emphasized the heightened risk for older adults and people with underlying illnesses, stating, “The West Nile virus continues to pose a serious health risk, particularly for seniors and those with pre‑existing conditions.”

Residents were urged to follow the “Four D” mosquito‑prevention strategy: use DEET‑based repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, and drain standing water to eliminate breeding sites.