Maricopa County Reports its First West Nile Death of Season

Maricopa County Reports its First West Nile Death of Season 12July

Community Urged to ‘Fight the Bite’

PHOENIX (July 11, 2019) – The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is reminding the community to prevent mosquito bites with 27 human cases of West Nile virus infection reported this season, including one death. The individual who died was an older adult who also had other health conditions. Sadly, older adults and those with other chronic health conditions are most at risk for serious complications of West Nile virus.

“This tragic death serves as an important reminder to all of us to do our part in protecting ourselves, our family and our neighborhoods from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the Disease Control Division at Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “With monsoon season upon us, it’s likely we’ll see even more mosquito activity. Use insect repellent whenever you are outdoors, and get rid of water outside your home where mosquitos can breed, like pet dishes, potted plants, even toys.”

West Nile virus is typically spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although it can cause severe disease, only about 1 in 5 of those infected will develop any symptoms at all. Those who do develop symptoms usually experience a flu-like illness including fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness. Rarely, about 1 in 150 people infected can develop meningitis or encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.  This more severe form of the disease typically presents with high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and paralysis.  These severe cases can lead to permanent paralysis or death. Those who are over 60 years old, have underlying medical conditions or depressed immune systems are at higher risk for the more severe form of West Nile virus.

Preventing mosquito bites is critical both at home and while traveling since many mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus occur in popular travel destinations in the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific Islands and Africa. To date, Maricopa County has only seen travel-associated cases of these diseases.

“Public Health is working very closely with healthcare providers, Maricopa County Environmental Services and state and federal partners to maintain a strong surveillance system both for humans and mosquitoes, and to put prevention strategies in place,” said Dr. Sunenshine.

Maricopa County Health officials urge all people to “Fight the Bite” and follow simple precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry

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In addition to the information from the Maricopa County Health Dept., I have included links to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for more information on the top mosquito borne diseases – West Nile Virus, Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya are listed below:

www.cdc.gov/westnile/

www.cdc.gov/dengue/

www.cdc.gov/zika/

www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/

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