ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County reports season’s first West Nile death, warns about mosquitoes

Sep 1, 2021, 1:13 PM | Updated: 1:29 pm

(Twitter Photo/@Maricopahealth)...

(Twitter Photo/@Maricopahealth)

(Twitter Photo/@Maricopahealth)

PHOENIX – Maricopa County on Wednesday reported its first death of the season from West Nile virus, which typically spreads to humans via mosquito bites.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health said there have already been 36 documented cases of West Nile virus in humans this season. Last year’s total was just three cases and one death.

The person who died was described in a press release as an “older adult who also had other health conditions.”

The county’s year-round mosquito surveillance program has documented a 400% increase in positive West Nile virus mosquito samples over last year.

The uptick is a consequence of all the rain the Valley’s seen during an active monsoon storm season.

“Mosquitoes need water. They also need warm temperatures. So what we have right now are ideal conditions for mosquito breeding: a lot of stagnant water and warm temperatures,” Johnny Diloné, spokesman for the Maricopa County Department of Environmental Services, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

Diloné said the county has been receiving complaints about mosquitos from all across metro Phoenix.

Officials are encouraging residents to get rid of any standing water on their properties, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“With so much rain this summer, we all need to stay mindful of eliminating standing water where mosquitos can breed, like pet dishes, potted plants, and even toys,” Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the Maricopa County Disease Control Division, said in the press release.

Other ways to prevent West Nile include using repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin, wearing lightweight clothing that keeps legs and arms covered and making sure window and door screens don’t have holes.

West Nile causes symptoms — fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness – in only about 20% of infections.

In rare cases, about 1 in 150 infections, the virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis, with symptoms such as headache, neck stiffness, vision loss and paralysis.

People older than 60 year old or who have underlying medical conditions or have depressed immune systems are at increased risk for serious complications if infected.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Karrin Taylor Robson...

Kevin Stone

Karrin Taylor Robson announces 2nd run for governor of Arizona

Karrin Taylor Robson, who unsuccessfully ran for governor of Arizona in 2022, announced Wednesday she is running again in 2026.

1 hour ago

Phoenix police officers shot and killed a suspect near Williams Field and and Higley roads in Gilbe...

KTAR.com

Man killed in overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert

A man was killed in an overnight shooting involving Phoenix police officers in Gilbert, authorities said Wednesday morning.

2 hours ago

A Scottsdale estate with a Jordan shoe display and a full basketball gym was listed for $23.5 milli...

Kevin Stone

Furnished Scottsdale estate with basketball gym, Jordan sneaker display listed for $23.5M

A basketball lover’s dream home is on the market in north Scottsdale, but you better have plenty of space under your salary cap if you want to buy it.

3 hours ago

Uranium mining...

Kevin Stone

Arizona GOP leader wants Trump administration to remove uranium mining restrictions

Arizona's Republican Senate president is hoping the Trump administration will undo actions by former presidents that curtail uranium mining in the state.

3 hours ago

56 trees growing into power lines to be removed in 2 cities...

Serena O'Sullivan

SRP to remove 56 trees growing too close to power lines in Chandler, Apache Junction

The Salt River Project (SRP) is teaming up with the cities of Chandler and Apache Junction to remove 56 trees growing into power lines.

4 hours ago

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approv...

David Veenstra

2 state employees convicted of receiving bribes

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

Maricopa County reports season’s first West Nile death, warns about mosquitoes