BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been found in Bernalillo County, the New Mexico Department of Health announced Tuesday, adding that residents should take precautions.
Dealing with mosquitoes? The City of Albuquerque will give you free fish to help.
The infected mosquitoes were collected via routine monitoring by the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County operate a joint mosquito control program at locations near the Rio Grande. The University of New Mexico Center for Global Health performed testing and confirmation.
“We’ve been working with several partners statewide, including the City of Albuquerque, on trapping and testing for mosquito-borne illnesses as an early warning system to alert the public,” Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), stated in a news release. “We are urging residents to take precautions now to avoid mosquito bites in Bernalillo County and statewide.”
Reduce your risk of mosquito bites and the chances of West Nile:
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in New Mexico so far in 2026. There were 52 cases last year with 11 deaths.
Mosquitoes with West Nile virus can pass the virus to humans and other animals, including birds and horses, through a bite. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not necessarily develop any symptoms; however, people aged 50 years and older and those with other health issues are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from the virus.
Symptoms can include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue. In less than one percent of people, a more serious infection can happen with symptoms including neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis, even leading to death.
“While mosquitoes are not currently widespread due to dry conditions, we continue to see them concentrated in wet areas,” said Nick Pederson, City of Albuquerque Urban Biology division manager. “As we enter the monsoon season, we are asking residents to check their yards and neighborhoods for standing water that could become a mosquito breeding source.”
New Mexico residents with questions about West Nile virus can call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).