Rain forecast increases mosquito breeding infection

Health officials for El Paso confirmed Thursday morning its 28th case of the West Nile virus.

A 66-year-old woman, who lives in the 79935 ZIP code area, is the latest victim in the growing epidemic of the West Nile virus in El Paso.

So far, five people have died from the virus, said health officials.

They said the woman was diagnosed with a mild form of the disease.

Health officials said that the threat of West Nile continues, especially with rain forecast for this week.

"Although we are now in the fall season, warm temperatures and wet weather will most likely increase the mosquito population in our area, and that will create a greater threat of West Nile in El Paso. It will take much colder weather in order to significantly affect the breeding of mosquitoes," said Bruce Parsons, interim Public Health director.

For more information on West Nile virus, please visit the Health Department website:
www.elpasotexas.gov/health/westnile.asp