Health officials say Maricopa County has reported its first two deaths this season from the West Nile Virus. More than two dozen people have been infected in the county so far this year.
The two who died were both over 50 years old, the age group most at risk for serious complications of West Nile. The virus is typically transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes.
It can cause serious illness in people and horses, but only about 20 percent of those infected will develop any symptoms at all. Those who do develop symptoms usually report fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness. Severe cases can lead to paralysis or death.
Last year, Maricopa County had 62 West Nile cases with two deaths.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
