Local roundup - Sept. 29

Public asked to take precautions

With 27 cases of West Nile virus confirmed in New Mexico this year — including one in Roosevelt County — residents were asked Thursday to take precautions to prevent the disease from spreading.

In a press release from the New Mexico Department of Health, Gov. Susana Martinez laid out the precautions residents can take to defend themselves from the virus.

“Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing where mosquitoes may be active, and if you feel sick, make sure to seek medical care immediately,” she said.

Other precautions recommended in the press release include regularly draining standing water, wearing long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, and closing all screens and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering residences.

It also warned that no medications can treat the virus, which has a higher fatality rate in people over the age of 50 or those with pre-existing medical issues.

NMDH Secretary Lynn Gallagher said in the release that the virus can be a threat until the “first hard frost in your area of the state.”

The release also included advice on how to protect horses against the virus, including vaccination, regular application of horse-specific insect repellent, and minimized exposure to mosquitoes.

Symptoms of the virus include headache, fever, muscle aches, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, and paralysis, according to the release.

City seeks tax advisory member

CLOVIS — The city of Clovis is seeking a Clovis resident who is an “operator of industries” primarily serving tourists to serve on the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board.

The board meets quarterly at City Hall.

Those interested can get more information or an application form by contacting the city manager’s office at 575-769-7628.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Oct. 13.

Four hospitalized after collision

CLOVIS — Four people were hospitalized with broken bones on Wednesday night following a collision on State Road 245 west of Clovis.

Curry County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Reeves said the accident happened just after 6 p.m. when two cars collided “head on.”

Clovis’ Seleste Cervantes, 17, driver of an eastbound Buick, suffered the most serious injury with a broken femur, Reeves said. She was transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock in serious condition.

Rio McComas-Orengo, 20, of Melrose, was driving a Crown Victoria westbound. She suffered a fractured knee and was treated at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis.

Two children in the car with McComas-Orengo suffered broken collarbones and were transported to UMC in Lubbock.

Reeves said no citations were issued on Wednesday and the investigation into the cause of the wreck continues.

Drug disposal event scheduled

PORTALES — The Portales Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to help area residents properly dispose of unwanted prescription medication, according to a police news release.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the police department, 1700 N. Boston, or City Hall, 100 W. First St.

Officials will also pick up the unwanted medicine if needed.

For information, contact Det. Charlie Smart at 575-760-7031.

The annual program is intended to prevent “dangerous medications from getting into the wrong hands such as young children that may be harmed if consumed,” according to the news release.

“Last April Americans turned in 450 tons of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites nationwide. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.”

— Staff reports