Pinal County records 1st case of West Nile virus this mosquito season
Aug 26, 2021, 5:00 PM
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TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities have confirmed the first case of West Nile virus in Pinal County during Arizona’s mosquito season.
Health officials said Tuesday that the case was found in a county resident.
Tucson TV station KOLD reports that out of the nine cases investigated by county officials, only one was confirmed and the case also is the first confirmed this season outside of Maricopa County.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and is most common in the continental United States.
West Nile virus was first detected in Arizona in 2003.
According to health experts, most people exposed to the virus don’t get sick but about 20% have minor symptoms such as headaches, fevers, aches, nausea and fatigue.
People over the age of 60 or those with certain conditions like diabetes, hypertension and cancer are more likely to become severely ill from the virus.