SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico health officials say the state has recorded its first West Nile virus death of the year.
The Department of Health announced Tuesday that a 76-year-old man from Bernalillo County has died.
Officials say the man had the more severe clinical form of the disease, which includes meningitis and encephalitis. He had been hospitalized since Aug. 23.
Health Secretary Catherine Torres says West Nile cases have been reported in many parts of New Mexico over the last month.
In all, there have been 21 cases so far this year. That includes three new cases confirmed since last week.
Neighboring Texas has had at least 48 deaths so far this year. That state accounts for about half of the nation's deaths from the illness.
Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.
