State health officials confirm West Nile virus case
Jun 27, 2012, 12:10 PM
PHOENIX — Arizona health officials said they have confirmed the first case
of West Nile Virus of the state’s monsoon season.
The Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of
Public Health said Wednesday lab tests show a woman in her 30s has the virus.
Officials said the woman, who was suffering from meningitis brought on by the
virus, is recovering at home.
Health authorities said the monsoon months create an opportunity for
mosquito breeding. The West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected
mosquito and can infect people and animals.
Last season, Arizona had the second-highest number of reported cases in the
nation.
Health experts said the virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like
symptoms to severe neurological symptoms.
