West Nile victim becomes first fatality in NM

Las Cruces Sun-News - The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that a 76-year-old man from Bernalillo County has died from West Nile virus infection — the first fatality in the state this year because of the virus. The man had meningitis and encephalitis, the more severe clinical form of the disease, and had been hospitalized since Aug. 23. The department of health originally reported the case on Aug. 29. "We extend our sympathy to the man's family and friends who are grieving for their loss," Cabinet Secretary of Health Catherine Torres said. Continued Torres: "We all need to do our best to prevent mosquito bites, especially people older than 50, who are at most at risk for developing serious complications from the disease."

Also, three new cases of illness have been confirmed in the state since Sept. 7:

• 44-year-old man from Bernalillo County with encephalitis/ meningitis.

•21-year-old woman from Valencia County with encephalitis/ meningitis.

•73-year-old woman from Sandoval County with encephalitis/ meningitis.

Doña Ana County has had five reported cases of West Nile infection. The total for New Mexico so far is 21. Read More News New Mexico

West Nile victim becomes first fatality in NM