WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – One month after the West Nile virus was first reported in two horses on the Navajo Nation, the Indian Health Service confirmed the first two human cases within reservation borders on Sept. 18.

A 70-year-old Navajo woman and a 17-year-old male, both from Shiprock, N.M. were admitted to an Indian Health Service hospital in Shiprock on Sept. 9, said Navajo Area Indian Health Service spokeswoman Jenny Notah. “The elderly woman was admitted to the Northern Navajo Medical Center on Sept. 9 and is still hospitalized,” Notah said. “The teen was admitted on Sept. 4 and was discharged on Sept. 9.”

NAIHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Douglas Peter added, “The presence of the West Nile Virus human cases tells us that we must be more vigilant in preventing the West Nile Virus. Fortunately, in these two instances, the individuals are expected to recover fully.”

Tribal health officials intensified public education activities after the West Nile virus was first reported within the Reservation on Aug. 13. The Navajo Division of Health’s health education and community health worker’s program printed more flyers and posters, posted information on the Internet, and bought radio ads and full-page newspaper ads, said Philene Herrera, Health Education director.

This effort included the printing of a 12-page, 70,000-copy special publication about the virus that was recently distributed at the 57th annual Navajo Nation Fair – the tribe’s largest gathering – and radio spots continue in Navajo and English on several radio stations.

A task force consisting of representatives from IHS, BIA, and entities and programs of the Navajo Nation also developed a 50-page action plan to deal with a potential West Nile virus outbreak, after Navajo leaders signed a proclamation declaring a state of mobilization on Aug. 13.

To date, 11 horses have fell victim to the virus, said tribal veterinarian Dr. Scott Bender. The most recent were three horses from one owner, all from Shiprock. Almost half of the horses were within a 70-mile radius of Shiprock, the largest Navajo community.

Last month, the Navajo Nation Council kicked-off a vaccinating drive by appropriating $131,400 to have 5,000 horses vaccinated across the reservation. “We passed our goal and we should have a final tally sometime this week,” Bender said about the mobile vet clinics, which ended Sept. 18. “Keep in mind that the total number of horses who have received the vaccination shot is much higher because many horses have been vaccinated throughout the year by our programs as well as by private veterinarians.

In New Mexico, the number of human cases stands at 135 with four human fatalities, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.