Maricopa County, Arizona Confirms First Death of West Nile Virus

Oct. 8, 2007 -- Maricopa County Public Health reported today its first death related to the 2007 West Nile virus season, an elderly man from Phoenix.

“It seems our West Nile cases peak later in the season and this year looks to be no exception,” said Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

“And even though it seems that our first death is coming late in the season, we are on track to not only see more cases this year, but more cases with the worst types of West Nile – West Nile encephalitis or meningitis.”

To date, Maricopa County has recorded 55 cases of West Nile virus with more than 60 percent somehow affecting the victim’s central nervous system. Last year at this time, Maricopa County reported 44 confirmed West Nile virus cases with less than 50 percent affecting the victim’s central nervous system.

“The bottom line is that we all still need to be taking precautions against our blood-sucking friends,” said England.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Approximately 20 percent of people infected with the virus will feel flu-like symptoms occurring three to 15 days after the mosquito bite.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. A small percentage of people who are infected with WNV will experience severe symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, and even death. People over the age of 50 are generally at a higher risk for severe symptoms. If a person thinks he or she has West Nile Virus symptoms, he or she should consult their health care provider.

Residents are encouraged to mosquito-proof their home by taking the following precautions:

* Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around your property. Drain standing water in potted plants, tires and other containers.
* Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
* Keep fountains, animal troughs and swimming pools properly operating and free from debris.

“Eliminating stagnant water around your property will stop mosquitoes from breeding. However, it is very important to avoid all mosquito bites,” emphasized John Power, director of Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. “Apply insect repellent as directed by the product’s directions, wear long clothing, and avoid outdoor activity after dusk and before dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Power.

For more information on West Nile virus, public health assistance, to learn about dead birds drop off locations, to report green pools or file any mosquito related complaint, and for West Nile Virus materials or presentations for your group/organization, call (602) 506-0700 or visit www.WestNileAZ.org or www.maricopa.gov/wnv.

Source: Maricopa County Department of Public Health

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