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PHOENIX – Maricopa County health officials are warning the community of West Nile virus after a “significant increase” in the number of cases since last year.
The Department of Public Health said that in 2020 there were only three reported cases of West Nile virus in humans and one death. So far this year, the county has confirmed 36 human cases, including one death. Note: Maricopa County data was not readily available for 2019, but the county recorded 24 cases of WNV in 2018, including six deaths. In 2017, 93 cases were recorded, including six deaths. In 2016, there were 63 cases and five deaths. See more data here.
Authorities say the deceased was an elderly person who had other health problems.
West Nile is usually spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department has reportedly seen an increase of nearly 400% in mosquito samples positive for West Nile virus compared to all of last year.
RELATED: Wet Monsoon Isn’t the Only Reason for Valley Mosquitoes Increase, Experts Say
ABC15 also met with Maricopa County Vector Control to discuss mosquitoes. The county gets a ton of calls from people complaining about them.
Mosquitoes on the rise due to monsoon season in the valley
They have nearly a thousand traps spread across the valley to get an idea of how serious a neighborhood is. Once trapped and brought back to the county lab, they are counted and tested for disease.
West Nile virus can cause serious illness, health officials say, but only about a fifth of those infected will develop symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Most common: flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, muscle aches, muscle weakness)
- More serious infections: stiff neck, loss of vision, paralysis, neurological symptoms
- Rare: encephalitis or meningitis (about 1 in 50 people may develop it)
Those over the age of 60, have underlying health conditions, or a depressed immune system are at a higher risk for more serious West Nile infections.
“We all need to do our part to protect ourselves, our families and our neighborhoods from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the county public health department’s disease control division. de Maricopa, in a press release. . “With so much rain this summer, we all need to be careful to remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as pet dishes, potted plants and even toys.”
How do you prevent mosquito bites :
- Avoid mosquito bites day and night
- Use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or other repellents registered by the EPA according to the product label on exposed skin and clothing
- Drain and remove any containers that hold water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, such as plastic lids, buckets, old tires, plant bins, pet bowls, toys and the boats
- Scrape the sides of the dish or inside potted plants where mosquitoes lay their eggs
- Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens, no holes and stay closed
- If it’s not too hot, wear light clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Ensure swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained
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