There have been three confirmed deaths related to West Nile Virus this season in Maricopa County. The County Department of Environmental Services reports 71 mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus. That’s two-times more than this time last year.
Doctor Rebecca Sunenshine with the county Public Health Department said the June rain and monsoon season are adding to the problem. She’s urging people to remain vigilant.
“There’s a monsoon predicted this weekend," she said. "And that’s just a reminder for folks to look for those containers with standing water. Make sure you change the water in your pet bowls and your flower containers at least every twice a week to make sure that those mosquitoes don’t breed."
There have been a total of 17 lab confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in humans so far this season. Dr. Sunenshine said only 20 percent of those bitten by affected mosquitoes will develop symptoms.
