7/13/2015 – West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus found throughout the United States. It is the most commonly occurring mosquito-borne disease in the Arizona. Only about 1 in 5 people who are infected with West Nile virus will show disease symptoms. The other 4 in 5 people will stay symptom free. The virus can cause illness in people, horses, certain types of birds, and other animals. Culex (Cue-lex) mosquitoes are the main carriers of West Nile virus, and these mosquitoes are common throughout Arizona. People become infected with West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Currently there is no vaccine available to protect people against West Nile Virus. WNV illness in dogs and cats is rare. Horses are also susceptible to WNV infection but a vaccine is available through veterinarians. Contact your veterinarian for information about pets and livestock.
People of all ages can get sick from West Nile virus infection, although the chance of becoming seriously ill is low. Persons over the age of 50 are generally at a higher risk for serious illness. The majority of people that are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or only a mild illness. Approximately 20 percent of infected people will have “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands and muscle weakness. Symptoms can last for days or weeks. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause more serious conditions such as encephalitis and/or meningitis. Signs and symptoms might include high fever, headache, confusion, disorientation, seizures, muscle weakness, and coma. Symptoms generally occur three to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito.
In Arizona, mosquito-borne viruses are most likely to be spread from April through October during the peak of mosquito activity. West Nile virus activity can occur anywhere in the State. You do not need to be tested unless you develop West Nile virus symptoms. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection. As with other viral illnesses, supportive care and symptomatic therapy are given. If you’re worried you might be infected with West Nile virus please contact your healthcare provider. They can discuss your medical concerns with you in more detail.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes include:
• Wearing insect repellent when outdoors and at all times of day. Be sure to apply it according to the package instructions, and always apply after sunscreen.
• Wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors at all times a day, when possible.
The most effective ways to protect your home and by extension, you and your family, from mosquitoes includes the following:
If you do chose to open the windows and doors ensure that they have intact screens installed-
• Keep your yard clean and clear from debris, this reduces the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Make sure to dump or cover all water holding containers regularly. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in almost any standing water.
• If you have any standing water that can’t be dumped, such as pools, ponds, etc., be sure to treat those with the appropriate chemicals. This will stop mosquitoes from laying eggs on your property.
For more information, please visit www.311info.net and the Apache County Public Health Services District’s Facebook page. This message will be updated as information changes, so please call back.