CDC urges mosquito precautions as West Nile season starts early
CDC is urging mosquito precautions over the Independence Day weekend as West Nile virus season starts early, with 48 human cases reported by June 30.
Federal health officials say the U.S. has reported the highest number of West Nile virus cases by this point in the year since 2004, with holiday weekend outdoor gatherings approaching.
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging Americans to take precautions against mosquito bites as West Nile virus season starts earlier than usual.
The CDC said at least 48 West Nile virus cases had been reported as of June 30, including 38 cases of severe neuroinvasive disease. The agency said that is the highest number of human disease cases reported by this point in the year since 2004.
Since 2004, an average of 10 human disease cases has been reported to the CDC by the end of June, according to the agency.
CDC officials said the surge is being driven by early circulation of the virus, with 23 states reporting West Nile virus activity. The agency said that is also the highest number recorded over the last 10 years.
New Mexico health officials issued their own warning last week after routine monitoring found mosquitoes in Bernalillo County that tested positive for West Nile virus. The state Department of Health had not identified any human cases in New Mexico at the time, but officials said the state typically sees cases each year.
Damien Willis
In 2025, New Mexico reported 52 West Nile virus cases and 11 deaths, according to state Health Department data. State officials said additional funding will expand mosquito surveillance statewide beginning July 1.
With millions of Americans expected to spend time outdoors during the Independence Day holiday weekend, the CDC recommends using insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing long, loose-fitting shirts and pants, avoiding outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active and using window screens, door screens or air conditioning to keep mosquitoes outside.
“These findings serve as an important reminder that mosquito season is well underway,” CDC Medical Epidemiologist Dr. Erin Staples said. “As families gather outdoors to celebrate Independence Day, we encourage everyone to enjoy their holiday while taking simple steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites.”
State and local health departments continue to monitor mosquito populations and implement mosquito control measures where appropriate, according to the CDC.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous United States, with several thousand cases and about 100 deaths reported each year on average.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five infected people develop fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Less than 1% of infected people develop severe neurologic disease, including meningitis or encephalitis, which can result in long-term disability or death. Adults 60 and older and people with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness.
The latest West Nile virus data is available at cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/data-maps/current-year-data.html. More information is available at cdc.gov/westnile.
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