The Maricopa County Public Health Department has confirmed two more deaths in relation to West Nile Virus. This brings the total to three deaths this season.
While the most recent fatal cases involved people from the East Valley, Doctor Rebecca Sunenshine, director of Disease Control, said that does not mean the virus is localized.
“It’s important for folks to know that we’ve have 17 lab confirmed and there are probably plenty more cases spread throughout the Valley. So, anyone who lives here in Maricopa County is at risk and needs to protect themselves,” Sunenshine said.
Sunenshine said only 20 percent of the people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop symptoms. Those most likely to be affected will be the elderly with preexisting health conditions.
