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Otero County man tests positive for West Nile virus
Summary by The El Paso Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Gabrielle Lopez , KVIA ABC-7
· July 24, 2026
· 2 min read
OTERO COUNTY, N.M. (KVIA) -- An Otero County man in his 30s tested positive for West Nile virus, the New Mexico Department of Health reported Friday. Another woman in her 70s also tested positive in Bernalillo County. The man is recovering at home while the woman is in the hospital, NMDOH said. W...
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Summary created by The El Paso Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Gabrielle Lopez, KVIA ABC-7 Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 Indexed here Jul 24, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway (KVIA) -- An Otero County man in his 30s tested positive for West Nile virus, the New Mexico Department of Health reported Friday.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The recent case of West Nile virus in Otero County serves as a warning for El Paso residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. Given the proximity of Otero County to El Paso, the risk of West Nile virus transmission is a concern for local health officials. El Pasoans, particularly those over 50 or with underlying health conditions, should be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites, especially during outdoor activities in the summer. The "Four Ds" recommended by Doctor Hector Ocaranza provide a practical guide for residents to prevent mosquito bites and breeding. By taking these simple measures, El Paso residents can reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus. It is crucial for the community to remain aware of the potential health risks associated with mosquito-borne illnesses and take proactive steps to prevent them. This awareness is especially important in El Paso, where the climate and geography create an environment conducive to mosquito breeding.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 24, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? OTERO COUNTY, N.M. (KVIA) -- An Otero County man in his 30s tested positive for West Nile virus, the New Mexico Department of Health reported Friday. Another woman in her 70s also tested positive in Bernalillo County. The man is recovering at home while the woman is in the hospital, NMDOH said. W...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabrielle Lopez at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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