Health Officials: 3 More West Nile Virus Cases In New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Department of Health has announced three more cases of West Nile virus around the state. During the past month, health officials say a 53-year-old Bernalillo County man, a 57-year-old Dona Ana County man and a 40-year-old McKinley County man have been diagnosed with the virus transmitted by a mosquito bite. All three men were hospitalized. Health officials say the three newest West Nile cases doubles the total of human cases identified in New Mexico so far this year. The three previous cases were reported in Rio Arriba and Valencia counties. Health officials say New Mexico typically sees most of its West Nile virus cases in August and September, but may potentially see case through October this year because of late-season rains.