Albuquerque Faces Rising Threat of West Nile Virus and Invasive Mosquitoes

Public health experts warn of growing risks and call for increased surveillance and prevention efforts.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:44am

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structures of a mosquito's compound eye and proboscis, conceptually illustrating the public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.An X-ray view of a mosquito's anatomy highlights the potential public health risks posed by these disease-carrying insects.Albuquerque Today

Mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus remain an ongoing public health concern in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, with the presence of invasive mosquito species like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus raising additional worries about the potential introduction of diseases like dengue and zika. Data shows West Nile virus cases occur in the state every year, including severe neuroinvasive cases, highlighting the need for stronger surveillance, prevention, and mitigation efforts.

Why it matters

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a serious threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations like older adults and the immunocompromised. The presence of invasive mosquito species in Albuquerque also raises the risk of introducing new diseases to the region. Addressing this issue requires a combination of public policy and individual responsibility to reduce mosquito breeding sites and lower disease exposure.

The details

According to Bernalillo County's mosquito control program, West Nile virus is the primary mosquito-borne disease in the region, with environmental conditions like standing water and warm temperatures allowing mosquito populations to increase rapidly. The city of Albuquerque's Environmental Health Department and the New Mexico Department of Health have also identified the presence of invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which can transmit diseases like dengue and zika. While the risk is currently low, their presence is a concern.

  • In 2025, there were 52 human cases of West Nile Virus in New Mexico, including neuroinvasive cases.
  • Senate Bill 79, which proposed a $2 million investment in mosquito surveillance, prevention and mitigation across the state, was postponed indefinitely during the 2026 legislative session.

The players

Bernalillo County Mosquito Control Program

The county's mosquito control program that monitors West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in the region.

New Mexico Department of Health

The state agency that tracks West Nile virus cases and the presence of invasive mosquito species in New Mexico.

Albuquerque Environmental Health Department

The city agency that has identified the presence of invasive Aedes mosquito species in Albuquerque.

Kasey Culliton

A master's degree student in public health at New Mexico State University who contributed to the article.

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What they’re saying

“Mosquito-borne diseases remain an ongoing public and environmental health concern in Bernalillo County that deserves increased attention from residents and policymakers.”

— John Larson

“These infections can lead to complications, such as encephalitis among older adults and immuno-compromised individuals, highlighting the incidence and severity of disease in vulnerable populations.”

— John Larson

What’s next

Lawmakers should take up Senate Bill 79, which proposed a $2 million investment in mosquito surveillance, prevention and mitigation across the state, in next year's legislative session. Strengthening surveillance systems allows for early detection and intervention, while reducing exposure to mosquito breeding sites and controlling the mosquito population would lower the risk of disease transmission.

The takeaway

Addressing the threat of mosquito-borne diseases in Albuquerque requires a collaborative effort between public policy and individual responsibility. Increased funding for surveillance and prevention, combined with community action to eliminate standing water and use protective measures, can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus and the potential introduction of other mosquito-borne diseases.