Maricopa County Confirms First Case Of West Nile Virus This Season

Two mosquito traps in Fort Collins, one in southeast Fort Collins and one in northeast Fort Collins, found Culex mosquitoes, a genus of mosquito that infects several species with West Nile virus.

The affected individual, a male in his late 50’s, experienced flu-like symptoms and has since recovered, but was never hospitalized.

Most people infected with West Nile virus won’t get sick.

Officials advise residents to take extra precaution against the mosquito-borne illness by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing the habitats where mosquitoes live and breed.

Health officials have not revealed if they believe the man contracted the virus while in Mesa County, but they say mosquito samples in the region have so far tested negative for the disease.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is reminding residents to protect themselves and their homes against mosquitoes because of the risk of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and Western equine encephalitis.

A total of 22 states had reported West Nile virus infections in humans, birds or mosquitoes by the end of June.

“With all this rain we’ve had, literally, over 90% of the mosquitoes that are biting you now are what we call flood hatchlings”, Buser says.

– DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents.

Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus. These symptoms include body aches, fever, headache, joint pain and a rash.

Swimming pools and fishponds with circulating water generally are not a problem.

Ensuring window screens are in good fix.

Summer is here – and that means it is also West Nile virus season. However, in rare cases, West Nile virus can be fatal. Make sure to read and follow label instructions. That’s why Dr. Taege explained that it’s important to pay attention to the early warning signs because even if it’s not West Nile virus, the signs could be telling you that there is something else going on.

– DRESS in long sleeves and trousers in areas where mosquitoes are active.