West Nile Virus cases in AZ on the rise
Dominic DeCono
The mosquito-borne disease has been increasingly reported over the last few weeks.
According the Center for Disease Control, there have been at least 22 cases in Maricopa County alone and at least one fatality due to the disease.
But, Arizona is not the only state to see in an increase in infections this year.
The CDC reports that at least 38 states and 1,118 cases of infection have been found with nearly half of all reported cases coming from Texas.
Jeanene Fowler, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Health Services, said the increase in infections may relate to an increase in mosquito activity.
“This year we’ve had more storms than normal and that drives mosquito activity. That is one possible reason for more cases,” she said.
Although the disease can be lethal, most cases of infection do not result in death.
According to Maricopa County Health Service, only about 20 percent of people bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease actually become infected. Symptoms include fever, headache, swelling and exhaustion.
All of these symptoms are similar to that of the common flu.
The health agency advises though that those who are bit by a mosquito and have these symptoms seek treatment immediately.
The best way to avoid being bitten is to use mosquito repellent and avoid areas of the Valley that have a high number of mosquito recordings.
Mosquitos in Arizona are most active during dusk, between 4 and 8 p.m.
