N.M. confirms first human West Nile case of the year

New Mexico health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the state.

The Health Department said Monday a 42-year-old woman from Doña Ana County contracted the mosquito-borne virus and is recovering after being hospitalized.

New Mexico has had cases of West Nile every year since the virus migrated to the state in 2003. There were seven confirmed cases in New Mexico in 2018, including one fatal case. In 2017, there were 33 cases, with one reported death.

Officials say mosquito populations tend to rise following increased precipitation during the monsoon season.