The U.S. is having one of its worst West Nile virus outbreaks in years, and Arizona’s numbers are largely driving that trend. The CDC has reported 113 cases of West Nile this year, and 61 are in Arizona.
Maricopa County, which has long struggled with West Nile, reported its fifth death at the end of July. That makes it one of the deadliest seasons in the last five years — and it's still early.
West Nile virus is spread between mosquitoes and birds, and passed onto humans though mosquito bites.
Melissa Kretschmer, an epizoologist with the state health department, says monsoon rain puddles have brought many infected birds and mosquitoes together, amplifying the spread.
“The birds get infected and the mosquitoes feed off the birds and thus get the virus in them and the mosquito then transmits the virus to a person when they bite them,” Kretschmer said.
Luckily, 80% of those who contract the disease experience no symptoms. Others may end up with a fever or a rash, but nothing life-threatening.
“Less than 1% or 1 out of 150 people can develop symptoms that are more severe.” Kretschmer said. “Things like encephalitis, where you have that altered mental status where you don’t know who you are or where you are or what the date is, or you can have meningitis.”
Kretschmer says the county is trapping and testing for infected mosquitoes. Residents can do their part to repel mosquitoes with bug spray, remove standing water, repair window screens and remind neighbors of the risks.
Maricopa County offers more tips for staying safe in its Fight the Bite campaign.
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