West Nile Virus reaches Arizona Published Oct. 23, 2006 By Liane Larson 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Monsoon season is here, and with the wet weather comes mosquitoes. The heat and rain has pushed Arizona into the peak of mosquito breeding season. This means that residents need to take extra precautions to protect from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus. So far this year there have been 13 confirmed human cases of WNV in Arizona. The virus can be carried by mosquitoes and birds, and is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not even feel sick, or may have very mild symptoms. A small number of people may develop flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and body aches which only last a few days. Less than one out of every 100 who become infected with the WNV may develop severe diseases called encephalitis or meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain or the area around the brain and can be fatal, especially in older persons. Infected individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop one of these severe illnesses. Symptoms of these diseases can include high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, coma and paralysis. See your doctor if you develop these symptoms. Even though older individuals are more likely to develop serious health effects, everyone is at risk, so it is important to protect from WNV. Steps to reduce risk include: - Avoid mosquito bites - Use insect repellent containing N,NDiethyl-meta-Toluamide - Wear pants and long-sleeves when possible - Take extra precautions during peak biting time from dusk until dawn - Mosquito-proof the areas in and around the home - Install or repair screens on doors and windows - Drain standing water from items that collect water such as buckets, planters or child pools - Repair leaky faucets and pipes - Change water in birdbaths, animal water dishes and planters every two weeks For more information about West Nile Virus visit http://azdhs.gov/phs/oids/westnile or http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.