County confirms first West Nile-related death of year

West Nile virus has claimed its first victim of 2012, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said in a press release.

The victim was an elderly gentleman who had other health issues.

“This is another example of the seriousness of West Nile virus,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County Department of Public Health, in the release. “Especially after the monsoons like we had this weekend, we all need to do our part to get rid of standing water and curb mosquito breeding as best we can.”

The West Nile virus, present in the Valley since 2003, has infected about 1,000 people so far. It only shows symptoms in about 20 percent of people, but those people often have severe flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches and inflammation of the brain.

Maricopa County’s worst West Nile virus season was in 2004, when 355 confirmed cases were recorded. In 2011, the county only confirmed 45 cases, but two were fatal.

West Nile virus is spread through mosquito bites, which are preventable.

“Make sure we don’t go outside during dusk and dawn, when these mosquitoes are most active,” said Rebecca Sunenshine with MCDPH. “Wear lightweight clothing and mosquito repellant. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and get rid of those mosquito breeding sights with standing water.”

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