El Paso Confirms 1st 2026 West Nile Death as Cases Reach 6
Updated
Updated · El Paso Times · Aug 22
El Paso Confirms 1st 2026 West Nile Death as Cases Reach 6
3 articles · Updated · El Paso Times · Aug 22
Summary
A man in his 50s with underlying health conditions died from West Nile virus, the City of El Paso said Aug. 21, marking the city’s first death from the mosquito-borne illness this year.
Six West Nile cases and one death have been reported in El Paso in 2026, and Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza warned severe central nervous system disease can cause disability or death.
Recent rain prompted officials to urge the “Four Ds” of mosquito prevention: use DEET, dress in long sleeves and pants, avoid exposure at dusk and dawn, and drain standing water.
West Nile spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes that acquire the virus from birds; health officials said about 8 in 10 infected people develop no symptoms.