Jul. 4--For a link to the Centers for Disease Control's Web site on West Nile virus, click here.

To view a U.S. map of West Nile virus cases reported so far in 2008, click here.

For a fact sheet on West Nile virus, click here.

LAS CRUCES -- The first West Nile-positive mosquitoes of the year have been found in Las Cruces, state health department officials announced Thursday.

"This will officially kick off the start of West Nile season in the county," said Chris Minnick, spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health. "The main thing we want to get across is the disease is out there."

No human cases of the virus have been reported yet in the state.

Matthew Lee, contracted by the city of Las Cruces and other local governments to handle mosquito control, said the West Nile-positive mosquitoes were collected last week in monitoring traps.

"We found it in five samples

-- two spots in Mesilla, two spots in the city and one spot north of the city," he said.

Lee said the areas have since been treated for mosquitoes.

Last year, 14 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Dona Ana County, tying San Juan County for the most reports in the state, according to the health department. Last year also marked the highest number of instances since the virus first was found in New Mexico residents in 2003.

In total, 60 cases were reported statewide in 2007.

Las Crucen Nina Salmon, 36, said she heard word Thursday about the West Nile-positive mosquitoes. She said she was concerned because her children could be exposed.

"It's a little worrisome," she said. "We spend a lot of time outside. My kids are all involved in sports."

Minnick said several factors play into the virus' prevalence in a given year. Regardless of the severity this season, he said, the public should take precautions.

"People need to start as early as possible taking those prevention guidelines seriously," he said. "The last thing we want to see is somebody become hospitalized or lose their life to this disease."

Prevention tips include avoiding the outdoors in morning and early evening -- when mosquitoes are most active -- wearing insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. In addition, the department encourages residents to eliminate potential mosquito-breeding sites, including standing water in flower pots, tires and buckets.

"Put it on before you go out -- either put on repellent or put on long clothes," Lee said. "Nobody can prevent West Nile except you."

Lee said mosquito numbers have been relatively low so far this season, but that's likely to change with the onset of rainy weather. He said problem areas so far have included agriculture land, especially lawns and orchards that are flood-irrigated, and drainage ponds.

Common West Nile symptoms in humans are fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, according to the health department. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis.

The health department said residents with these symptoms should see their health-care provider. People older than 50 are at most risk for serious disease from West Nile virus.

Diana M. Alba can be reached at dalba@lcsun-news.com

Play it safe

-- Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 for use on skin, and permethrin for use on clothing. Always follow label directions when using insect repellents.

-- When weather permits, wear protective clothing such as loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.

-- The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, or avoid outdoor activities during these times.

-- Eliminate water-holding containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs, such as old tires, and regularly change the water in birdbaths, wading pools and pet water bowls. Make sure rain barrels are tightly screened.

Keep windows and doors closed if not screened. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.

-- Vaccinate your horses to protect them from West Nile virus and Western Equine Encephalitis, which is also carried by mosquitoes.

Source: New Mexico Department of Health

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