Horse in Lea County confirmed with West Nile

HOBBS, N.M. (AP)--A horse in Lea County has been confirmed with the West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness that also can strike humans.

It was the first case in a horse in New Mexico this year, the state Department of Health said. There have been no human cases this year.

The yearling filly was brought in late last month, so weak it could no longer stand, and was destroyed, said Dr. Mary Cap, a veterinarian with Mountain States Equine in Hobbs. She said the horse had been sick for at least two days.

Cap said there have been fewer cases of West Nile virus in horses, and believes that's due to the fact many horse owners are vaccinating their animals.

Symptoms of horses infected with West Nile include poor coordination, muscle twitching and inability to eat or drink.

The West Nile virus first appeared in New Mexico in 2003.

In humans, it causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, although most people who become infected have no symptoms or only mild ones. People over age 50 are at most risk for serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis, which can be fatal.

Last year, New Mexico reported eight human cases. One was fatal.

In 2005, the state reported 33 human cases; two victims died. In 2004, the state had 88 confirmed human cases, with four deaths. In 2003 there were 209 confirmed human cases and four deaths.

The Department of Health recommends people avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening; wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks outside; using insect repellant; keeping windows and doors closed if they don't have tight-fitting screens; and not letting water stagnate around the house.

Date: 7/16/07