Maricopa County Public Health officials have confirmed the county’s first West Nile death of the year. 

The victim was an elderly man who had other health complications. West Nile Virus only causes symptoms in about 20 percent of people who get infected. County health officials say after the age of 50, people are at increasing risk for severe reactions, including neurological forms of the disease.

Bob England is Maricopa County’s health director. He says county environmental services will spray in areas where they find infected mosquitoes, but prevention is always best. 

“People have to protect themselves by wearing repellent, avoiding mosquito bites, and – please, please, please – get rid of the places where mosquitoes can breed in your own yards,” England said.

England urges everyone to keep their property clear of any standing water where the bugs can multiply.